Kilimanjaro Stars head coach Marcio Maximo has dropped under-performing JKT goalkeeper Shaaban Dihile from the squad that departs to Nairobi, Kenya today for the Cecafa Challenge Cup.

Dihile has made a string of errors in his recent matches something, which might have prompted the Brazilian tactician to axe him.

The mainland team will now bank on Mtibwa Sugar's custodian Shaaban Kado and Mwarami Mohamed who plies his trades at Ferroviario of Mozambique.

Dihile won his first national team cap last year after replacing Ivor Mapunda who had joined Ethiopian side, St. Georges.

Besides, Maximo who has come under severe criticism lately has axed midfielders Rashid Gumbo of African Lyon, Zahoro Pazi (Mtibwa Sugar) and Moro United's defender Stephano Mwasika.

However, soccer fans will have something to brag about as the coach announced the coming of Henry Joseph who trades his skills at Kongsvinger of Norway.

"Their league climaxed recently and Joseph has decided to come back and join us. He is such a good midfielder and hopefully he will beef up our midfield,"Maximo said.

Unlike other days, hordes of fans showed up at Karume Stadium chanting names of the likes of Juma Kaseja, Athumani Idd and Haruna Moshi.

The Maximo boys will play their opener against defending champions Uganda on Sunday in the Western Province of Kenya, Mumias.

Other players forming the team include Shadrack Nsajigwa, Erasto Nyoni, Juma Jabu, Kelvin Yondani, Juma Nyoso, David Naftali and Salum Swed.

The list also includes; Shaaban Nditi, Ibrahim Mwaipopo, Nurdin Bakari, Mwinyi Kazimoto, Kigi Makasy, Mrisho Ngassa, Jerry Tegete, Mussa Hassan, John Boko and Danny Mrwanda.

Deputy minister for defence and national service Emmanuel Nchimbi urged the players to fight hard so as to clinch the prestigious regional trophy.

Nchimbi made the remark when handing over the national flag to Kilimanjaro Stars skipper Swed.