Shujaa Ready for European: Mola Eyes Dream Debut in Push for HSBC SVNS Return
Posted by JIM MWANDA
Kenya Shujaa unveil squad for the HSBC Challenger Series in Spain and France as debutant Samuel Mola joins Kenya’s push for promotion back to the HSBC SVNS World Series after the heartbreaking Hong Kong exit.
In Summary:
The Kenya Shujaa are heading into the final legs of the HSBC Challenger Series in Spain and France carrying renewed belief, fresh talent, and unfinished business after narrowly missing the Hong Kong semi-finals by a single point to South Africa. With youngster Samuel Asati Mola now set for a long-awaited debut, Kenya hopes a blend of experience and youthful energy can drive their mission of securing promotion back to the HSBC SVNS main series.
Also Read: When Herbert Mensah backed Kenya for HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Circuit
Also Read: Sportpesa Courts Golfing with Ksh 20 Million Boosts for Magical Kenya Opens 2026
Also Read: Kenya Hosts fifa series as regional football gains momentum
The journey back to the world stage has entered its defining chapter for the Kenya Shujaa, with the national side now preparing for what could become one of the most important tournaments in recent Kenyan rugby history.
As the Kenya Rugby Union officially unveils the travelling squad ahead of the final HSBC Challenger Series legs in Valladolid, Spain and Bordeaux, France, anticipation continues to build around a team determined to reclaim its place among the global rugby sevens elite.
Among the biggest talking points ahead of the European tour is the expected debut of Samuel Asati Mola, whose inclusion signals both trust in emerging talent and the beginning of a new chapter for the Shujaa setup. Mola has patiently waited for his opportunity and now finds himself stepping into the spotlight at a moment when Kenya desperately needs hunger, composure, and fearless rugby.
His call-up arrives at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Kenya still hurting from the heartbreak suffered in Hong Kong where the side missed out on a semi-final slot by the narrowest of margins after losing out to South Africa by just a single point. It was a painful ending to a tournament where Kenya had shown glimpses of brilliance, resilience, and attacking intent capable of competing with the very best.
Inside the Shujaa camp, however, that disappointment has quickly transformed into motivation.
Players and members of the technical bench believe the Hong Kong setback exposed valuable lessons that could ultimately shape the team’s response in Europe. The margins at elite sevens rugby are often microscopic, and Kenya understands that discipline, decision-making, and consistency across all seven minutes of each half could determine whether promotion dreams become reality.
The stakes heading into Spain and France could not be higher.
Kenya is targeting a top-eight finish that would secure promotion back to the prestigious HSBC SVNS main series, a platform where the Shujaa once thrilled global audiences with their explosive brand of rugby. From famous victories over traditional giants to their unforgettable Singapore Sevens triumph in 2016, Kenya built a reputation as one of the most entertaining and unpredictable teams on the circuit.
Now, the current squad hopes to revive that identity.
The blend of experienced campaigners and youthful additions like Mola has injected fresh optimism into the team. Coaches are banking on speed, defensive aggression, quick transitions, and improved game management as key weapons against some of the strongest emerging rugby nations expected in the final legs.
The decision to introduce new faces at such a decisive moment also reflects the evolving direction of Kenyan rugby sevens. The management appears focused not only on immediate qualification but also on building a squad capable of sustaining competitiveness once back among the world’s elite.
For Mola, the occasion represents more than just a debut. It is the culmination of years of hard work and an opportunity to announce himself on the international stage while carrying the hopes of a rugby nation eager for revival.
As the squad completes its final preparations at Moi International Sports Centre before departing for Europe, belief continues to grow that this could be the tournament where the Shujaa rediscover their edge.
The scars of Hong Kong remain fresh, but so too does the determination to respond.
Now, with Spain and France awaiting, Kenya’s rugby warriors have one final opportunity to turn heartbreak into redemption and bring the Shujaa back to where many believe they belong — on the HSBC SVNS world stage.
