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Rising star Victor Mola punching above weight after Great Rift 10s triumph
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 18.04.24. | 16:44
Mola was snapped up from Kisumu RFC after an impressive 2022 season where he bagged the Dala 7s Most Promising Player award
Strathmore Leos speedster Victor Mola could not contain his joy after his hard work finally paid off during the 31st edition of the Great Rift 10 aside played at the Nakuru Athletic Club on Saturday 13 April.
The 20-year-old was crowned the tournament’s top try scorer as well as the most promising player. Despite not playing the final match, he was instrumental in scoring six tries for the Leos.
He scored one try against Kabras during their opening pool match before managing two in their match against the University of Nairobi.
He then landed three tries against Menengai Zuri.
He was unfortunately injured in the opening half of their final match against Kabras RFC.
The Leos ended the one-day tournament in second position after losing 12-7 to the Sugarmen.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, the prodigy noted that he went to the tournament simply intending to enjoy the game he loved. Little did he anticipate that his time on the field would propel him to the forefront as the top try scorer.
“I wanted to go and have fun. But anytime I am on the pitch, I cannot help but do my best. I always motivate myself to rise above the challenges and perform better,” he started.
He anticipates to shake off the injury and be part of the team that will play the much-anticipated Rugby Super Series which kicks off on May 4. Strathmore Leos have been placed in the Rhinos franchise. Kenya Harlequins and Nondies RFC join them.
They will be under the tutelage of former Kenya 7s coach Paul Murunga and Nondies RFC coach Callum Oliver.
With the taste of success still fresh, the youngster noted that he would go back to the drawing board, and right his wrongs in readiness for the upcoming challenges.
“I will go back, review the matches, and see the improvement areas,” he offered.
He called on his fellow youngsters to believe in themselves and always strive to be better in all aspects of their lives. He noted that his teammate Brunson Madigu motivates him to aim higher.
“That man is unmatched! I want to play rugby like him,” he exclaimed.
Mola was snapped up from Kisumu RFC after an impressive 2022 season where he bagged the Dala 7s Most Promising Player award.
He joined Strathmore Leos where he honed his skills under the close watch of inexhaustible coach Louis Khisia.
The Leos’ squad is littered with other talents like self-proclaimed King George Ooro, Matoka Matoka, Richard Omedo, Gabriel Ayimba and Nygel Amaitsa.
For the youngster, some of his rugby highlights so far include being part of the Kenya Rugby League National Team which made its international debut with a 26-6 loss to Ghana in the Mid-East Rugby League Championship semi-final played at the Legon Stadium, University of Accra, Ghana.
He was also on duty with Chipu during the U20 Barthes Cup as well as the World Rugby U20 Trophy. In the latter, settled for sixth place after losing 64-10 to U20 Barthes Cup defending champions Zimbabwe; Junior Sables.
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