Vihiga Queens’ bid to defend the Kenya Women Premier League suffered a setback following the ruling out of their top striker and international Terry Engesha who is injured.Engesha , who netted 15 goals to enable Queens to top KWPL zone B unbeaten has been ruled out of the playoff slated for this weekend in Nakuru due to a muscle strain.The Vihiga county-sponsored Queens clash with Gaspo in one of the playoffs’ semifinals this Friday. One-time title winners Thika Queens will be battling with newbies Nakuru Queens in the second semifinal. 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 that the absence of Engesha who recently made a comeback 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 and that is definitely a big blow for us,” said Alumira.POTMKEFWA’s Player of The Month- March.Terry Engesha, Vihiga Queens.15 goals, 12 matches.#footke pic.twitter.com/yJYMYvZZ8m— Footballers Of Our Time (@TransferMarktEA) June 5, 2021 Speaking after their training at Kidundu playground, Alumira described Engesha as a pillar to the team. He was however quick to warn his opponents not to celebrate Engesha’s absence adding that he had several options in the team.Alumira said other strikers who; include Jentrix Shikangwa, Topista Situma, Janet Morah, and youngster Anne Norah are in top form and will fill the gap left by Engesha.On her part, Engesha said she regrets missing the playoffs but wished her team well.” It is sad that I will not be part of the team in the playoffs but i trust strikers who will replace me as they will do the job perfectly….I’ll be there to provide moral support,” she added.FT: Thika Queens 2 – 1 Vihiga Queens.Faith Kwamboka (2) | Terry Engesha (pen)Two-time champions Thika Queens extend unbeaten run while handing holders Vihiga Queens first defeat of the season. ???? #KWPL pic.twitter.com/bNyehw0RFQ— Kenya Footy (@kenyafooty) April 14, 2018 On his part, Alumira said that he has a headache selection as all his players are currently in top form and raring to go.”Our target is the final and retaining the title. My girls are more than ready and raring to go. I am having a headache in selecting the final squad because all the players have impressed the technical bench in the training,” he added.Clubs CEO Mike Senelwa thanked the county for the sponsorship adding that they will fly the county flag high during the championship.
