Malkia Strikers will rest key players against Italy today in order to have fresh energy for the do-0r-die clash with Puerto Rico in the last group 'A' match of the World Championship slated for Saturday.
National women's coach Paul Bitok said Malkia's chances of sailing to the second round lie in their own hands after recovering from two losses to finally register their first win against perennial rivals Cameroon in straight sets on Tuesday.
While the heart-wrenching losses against hosts the Netherlands and Belgium were expected, Bitok said Malkia have what it takes to beat their Caribbean Island opponents and make history by progressing.
"Cameroon was one of the matches we planned to win after we headed to Brazil for the High-Performance Training and I am happy the girls heed the call. We dedicate the victory to the new sports Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba," a relieved Bitok opened up.
"Against Puerto Rico, we need to be imperious and stick to our strategy that saw good service and strong defence pay huge dividends against Cameroon. We would have loved to challenge Italy but it is ideal we reserve our energy and fancy our chances against Puerto Rico."
Journeyman Bitok hinted at sticking with the same winning squad. Kenya Pipeline's left attacker Veronicah Adhiambo and middle blocker Gladys Ekaru were restored back to the starting line up and the pair posed a selection dilemma for Louizar de Moura after impressing.
Bitok said mentality was the difference against Cameroon but a tactical tweak against Italy and Puerto Rico will add another dimension to their game.
"If we can bag a set against Italy well and good but all our energy is on Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico are not that tall and their short height is a weakness we hope to exploit. Our attack is in safe hands when we have both Sharon Chepchumba and Veronicah Adhiambo firing but that means we will have to sacrifice some positions."
Malkia should underrate their opponents at their own peril with the gaffer urging his charges to maintain the bulletproof mindset.
"It will be suicidal to give them chance to dictate play. Puerto Rico is a team that will force you to make errors. We should not donate free points on service and reception.
The Cameroon win was Malkia's second on the global stage after humiliating Kazakhstan 3-0 in 2018.
