All Cecafa member countries Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Burundi, Zanzibar, Somalia and hosts Tanzania Mainland have confirmed participation in this year’s Challenge Cup slated for December 8-22 in Dar es Salaam.

The confederation’s General Secretary Nicholas Musonye told Times Sport yesterday that all members had confirmed their participation in this year’s championship.

"Iam glad that all countries have confirmed their participation and we are holding the draws for the tournament next week,” Musonye said, adding that the draws will be held in Dar es Salaam.

Sudan, Burundi and Uganda have been selected as the seeded teams due to their good performances in the just concluded 2008 African Nations Cup qualifiers. 

He also said that the regional body has neglected the inclusion of Zambia and Malawi in this year’s event.

Both countries participated in last year’s event with Zambia defeating Sudan 1-0 in the finals but had to settle for the top cash prize with Sudan taking the tournament trophy.

Meanwhile, Amavubi Stars’ under their new coach Josip Luke are set to regroup mid- November.

Rwanda finished third in last year’s edition which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after losing to winner Zambia in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kamal Sheddad of Sudan, Leodegar Tenga of Tanzania and Ashebir Georgis of Ethiopia have declared their candidatures for the Cecafa presidency.

Ends