Kenya make two squad changes ahead of World Series promotion push in Spain and France

Kenya have made two changes to their squad for the upcoming SVNS 2 legs in Valladolid and Bordeaux, with promotion to the 2026-27 HSBC SVNS World Series on the line over the next fortnight.

Gabriel Ayimba and Floyd Wabwire drop out of the side, replaced by Victor Odhiambo Mola — who earns his first senior national call-up after impressing in the National Sevens Circuit programme — and Chrissant Onjwang, who returns after missing the Hong Kong leg through injury. Patrick Odongo has also been cleared to play after sitting out the Hong Kong finals.

Shujaa head coach Kelvin Wambua named the squad late last week following a ten-day training camp at Kasarani, where the focus was on attack, defence, speed and situational awareness. “We’ve analysed our performances, especially moments like the South Africa quarterfinal loss in Hong Kong, and worked on improving our decision-making in key moments,” Wambua told The Standard. “The boys now have better clarity and understanding of the opponents we’ll face, and we believe we are better prepared.”

Of the new inclusion, Wambua was direct about what Mola brings: “He is agile, quick, and can give the team the X factor.”

Kenya arrive in Spain with genuine momentum. In Hong Kong, the Shujaa finished seventh overall, defeating the United States in the classification rounds before overcoming France 21-7 in the seventh-place play-off. Their most eye-catching result came in the quarterfinal, where they pushed eventual champions South Africa — the Blitzboks — all the way before losing 26-22.

The Kenyans are currently in contention to overtake Great Britain, the incumbent World Series side, and would become only the second African nation to reach the top tier of the global sevens circuit if they secure promotion. Uruguay are also in the mix, making the Spain and France legs a decisive stretch of the season.

George Ooro and Samuel Asati will co-captain the side across both legs. “We’ve had enough transition time from Hong Kong into these final two legs,” Asati said. “The team is growing together well, and everyone understands what is required.”

Ooro kept his message simple ahead of Valladolid: “We’re going to man up and give everything for the badge. We will not talk much until after France.”