• The winners of the semis will lock horns on Sunday in a KWPL decider with the champion bagging Sh1 million.
• "Engesha has not recovered from the injury she suffered when we played Nakuru Queens at Mumias Sports Complex three weeks ago. She is not in the squad for the playoffs," said Alumira.
Vihiga Queens' bid to defend the Kenya Women Premier League has suffered a setback after international striker Terry Engesha was ruled out of the play-off set for Friday in Nakuru.
Engesha, who netted 15 goals to enable Queens' top KWPL Zone 'B' unbeaten will now miss the semi-final encounter against Gaspo with a muscle strain.
2016 champions Thika Queens will be battling newbies Nakuru Queens in the second semi-final.
The winners of the semis will lock horns on Sunday in a KWPL decider with the champion bagging Sh1 million.
Queens' coach Alex Alumira said missing Engesha, who recently made a come back to national team Harambee Starlets, is a setback to their dream of winning the league for the fourth time running.
"Engesha has not recovered from the injury she suffered when we played Nakuru Queens at Mumias Sports Complex three weeks ago. She is not in the squad for the playoffs," said Alumira.
Speaking after their training at Kidundu playground, Alumira described Engesha as an important player.
However, he was quick to warn his opponents not to celebrate Engesha's absence adding that he has several options in the team.
Alumira added that international goal hunter Jentrix Shikangwa is thirsty for goals and will be key.
He added that the rest of the strikers Topista Situma, Janet Morahand youngster Anne Norah are in top form and will seek to step into Engesha's shoes.
Engesha said she regrets missing the playoffs as she wished her team well.
"It is sad that I’ll not be part of the team for the playoffs but I trust my fellow strikers do the job perfectly. I’ll be there to provide moral support," she added.
"Our target is to retain the title. My girls are more than ready to go," added Alumira.
He added he is spoilt of choice in selecting his squad for the encounter
"I am having a headache in selecting the final squad because all the players have impressed the technical bench in the training," he added.