Malkia Strikers hope to have both Mercy Moim and Sharon Chepchumba available for the African Nations Championship semi-final clash against Rwanda after missing out on their final Pool 'B' tie against Burundi on Thursday.
The duo have been struggling with injuries but coach Paul Bitok has his fingers crossed that the pair, key cogs in his plans, can shake off their various issues to put themselves in contention for the must-win Rwanda match.
Malkia ripped apart minnows Burundi 3-0 in straight sets of 25-8, 25-9 and 25-11 and the availability of the KCB players will improve Malkia's options.
"Moim and Chumba have injuries but we are trying to manage them so that they can recover in time and help the team. It is likely that they will play but it will depend on what level they will be in," said Bitok.
Bitok coached Rwanda before taking over Malkia but admits it will be a different ball game altogether on Saturday. Bitok disclosed that Rwanda is a new-look team with quality and Malkia will have to adjust to their style of play during the match.
"Rwanda have new players and they are playing well. It's a good team generally and we will advise our players once the match serves off. We have to adjust to whatever challenge they will bring into the match," said Bitok.
Malkia are tipped to play old adversaries Cameroon in the final should both team win their semis. This will be a repeat of the 2019 edition with Cameroon humbling Kenya 3-0.
Kenya got a reality check on their rebuilding project-falling short to their nemesis 3-0 in their first match. However, Bitok said it was premature to discuss Cameroon.
"We have a new-look team that is still getting experience and will only talk of Cameroon when we are finished with the semi."
Malkia are enjoying a good run of form with three victories on the bounce. They demolished the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia and Burundi in identical 3-0 scorelines.
Kenya is looking to win their first title in six years. Malkia won the Nations Championship in 2015 under coach David Lung'aho and finished runners up in the past two editions.
