Kenya Pipeline coach Nicodemus Kiama is hoping to have Gladys Ekaru and Faith Imodia back into the team for the Kenya Volleyball Federation playoffs later in the year.
The latter is a setter while the former is a middle blocker.
The duo is away because of family matters but Kiama who took over from coach Paul Gitau at the end of 2023 has his fingers crossed that the pair will play a crucial role in the tail end of the season.
"We are optimistic that both Ekaru and Imodia will return in time for the playoffs because they are crucial players for the team," Kiama said.
The oil merchants failed to defend the title in August after they lost 3-1 to KCB in the final played at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The six-time Africa Club champions redeemed themselves to win the Zone Five Club Championship in Rwanda, in November.
The team commenced training this week in preparation for the third leg set for next month in Malaba, Busia County.
Kiama, who will be without six players who have linked up with the national team alias Malkia Strikers for the Africa Volleyball Federation (CAVB) Zone 5 qualifiers slated for Egypt, expects the players to hit peak condition by Friday next week.
"We have 14 players while the rest have joined up with the national team. We want to get down to hard work behind the scenes. In a week, I expect the players to be at their best before we begin ball work and the areas we target for improvement as we enter the most pivotal part of the season," Kiama said.
