Kampala — CRANES coach Laszlo Csaba has handed the goal-grabbing task to league top scorer Sam Ceasar Okuti when Uganda takes on Djibouti in its opening match of the lucrative Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup today in Dar es Salaam.

Okuti, who has been prolific for newly promoted Ediofe Holly Hills, earned his first Cranes call up on the basis of his impresseive displays in the league and will be hoping to get a debut goal against lowly Djibouti.

Djibouti was mauled 10-1 by Cranes in the 2001 CECAFA edition and start as overwhelming underdogs against Laszlo Csaba's side.

Csaba confirmed to Sunday Monitor yesterday that he will start with Okuti.

"Ceasar (Okuti) has everything for a super striker. He has the power and the pace that is required for a big tournament like Cecafa and I believe he will deliver," said Csaba.

Cranes, however, must adjust to the humid conditions in Dar es Salaam. Fufa vice president in charge of technical affairs revealed that the town is extremely hot.

"Our biggest problem for now is acclimatisation. We are still battling with the humid conditions but I'm sure we shall get over it," Lubowa explained.

He added that Cranes have a minor challenge of blending new players Musa Doka and Peter Makanga with other established members of the squad.

Nine-time winners Uganda are pooled in-group B alongside Rwanda, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Line up H. Kalyesubula,

S. Masaba, P. Makanga, M. Doka,

A. Mwesigwa (Captain), N.

Kasule, D. Wagaluka, A. Bajope,

C. Okuti, H. Kitagenda and

P. Ssozi.

Today

Uganda v Djibouti