country is fully committed to providing the necessary financial backing.

That's the belief of PHC president Chris (Butch) Furbert, who expressed his opinions at a recent special meeting of Bermuda Football Association and repeated them this week -- despite news that FIFA would donate $1 million towards the development of soccer on the Island.

Bermuda's senior and Under-20 national squads will soon begin what are considered initial steps in their World Cup build-up when they compete in the Shell Caribbean Cup in Cayman Islands.

"I really feel we are not quite ready for the World Cup as far as the commitment of the country is concerned,'' said Furbert.

Island players not committed? "I am also talking about the commitment from the players and everything else, notwithstanding the money that FIFA intend to give us.'' "We as a country have to make that commitment towards a World Cup team. Only if we can get the full support of the country should we participate.'' While financing remains a key factor, Furbert also wonders whether everything else can be put into place in time.

He points out that "total commitment'' is needed from not only the BFA but the community at large.

Reminded that Bermuda's proudest moment in soccer came in 1992 when then coach Gary Darrell led the national squad into the World Cup qualifying second round, Furbert said: "There was some support the last time we entered. But one must remember that it only grew after we won the early games and the hype that came with the success.

"I told the president at the time, Charlie Marshall, that we basically put half of the effort behind the squad and we got half the result. Maybe it wasn't fair to the team, but you can't throw a team together in six months and expect to go and qualify for the World Cup right away.

"My argument is what's the point of getting the players keyed up for it if we don't have any real commitment behind them. I am talking about the country giving them the financial support from the real early stages, support that is necessary for them to get the vital international exposure and to do certain things that are essential for them to be competitive at that higher level.'' "Jamaica is a prime example,'' he added. "They put their team together in the last five to 10 years and right now they are doing well only because the country made a commitment and focused on qualifying from the outset. Unless Bermuda do the same then we will not succeed.'' BFA first vice president and chairman of the coaching committee, Aldwyn Savery, recently emphasised that it was his committee's main goal to work towards qualifying for the World Cup.

"The ultimate aim of Bermuda should be to participate in the World Cup because to play at that level is the ultimate goal of every player,'' said Savery.

"I think we have to do a lot of fund-raising though, search hard for funding to assist the team in the build-up. If we feel confident that we have a team that can qualify then it's our job to go out and tell the public, persuade them to assist us.'' He agreed that Jamaica's success should be an inspiration to a small country like Bermuda.

"I think there is nothing that unites a country like soccer. We had a taste of it the last time we entered. We were just as broke, but with a little bit of success people rallied around the drive, and it's possible that we can do it again with good preparation.

"As far as we are concerned these upcoming tournaments in the Caymans are an early step towards our preparations for the next World Cup. In fact, everything that we do now in terms of soccer can be considered to be in preparation for the World Cup.

"Essentially next month we will be able to gauge our progress. We are not saying that we are going to win the World Cup, winning is not everything. But by participating and doing our best helps in so many ways . .. it helps in the development of a player's ability and character and it eventually gives the country something to be proud of.''