Playmaker Grace Adhiambo and Janet “Shebesh” Okello have been recalled to the Kenya Lionesses team for the winner-take-all Olympic repechage tournament in Monaco later this month.
Due to club commitments in Japan, where they play for Nagato Blues Angels, the duo missed the final Challenger Sevens Series leg in Krakow, Poland.
Fresia Awino has also been drafted to the squad for the injured Phoebe Akinyi, who sustained a knee injury in training.
On Wednesday, head coach Dennis Mwanja said the duo's return would be a big boost to the team at a crucial moment.
"The two are very experienced players. They bring the x-factor and game-breaking ability. We are happy to have them back for a vital assignment,” said Mwanja.
The KCB assistant coach was satisfied with his charges' performance in Poland, where they finished fourth after losing 26-7 to Belgium in the bronze medal match.
It was a big improvement from their performance in Montevideo, Uruguay, in March.
"I was encouraged by what I saw in Poland. The girls ticked all the boxes as we finished fourth. It's a pity we missed out on the promotion playoff but the future is bright,” said Mwanja.
In Krakow, the Lionesses beat Poland 21-19 and thrashed Mexico 29-7 before succumbing 22-0 to Belgium in the pool stages.
They beat Argentina 22-5 in the quarterfinals before losing 21-15 to Poland.
The team embarked on a one-week training camp in Miramas, France, last month and have had a 10-day residential training camp at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
In Monaco, the Lionesses will play off Pool 'A' alongside Argentina, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Pool 'B' has Uganda, Hong Kong China, Paraguay and Jamaica.
Pool 'C' will see high-flying China, who earned core status in Madrid, Spain, take on Poland, Mexico and the Czech Republic.
Mwanja said there is no room for error in the three-day competition.
“We know what is at stake. The girls are hungry and we are relishing the challenge," he said.