Bermudians have been urged to come out in their numbers and rally their support behind the national team when they kick off their World Cup qualifying first round against Montserrat on Sunday.

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) general secretary David Sabir yesterday called on his fellow countrymen to “get behind” the local squad as the Island begins a quest to “re-establish” itself as a formidable force in the CONCACAF region.

“It is important that we perform well in this competition because our mission is to re-establish ourselves as one of the better teams in the region and this is perhaps the greatest stage in which to get this entire concept off to a good start,” said a highly optimistic Sabir.

“This match is attracting international attention and we have been contacted and advised of journalists and photographers from the UK and El Salvador who will be coming to report on this game. And for obvious intents and purposes the El Salvadorians are coming to have a good look at both teams.”

The eventual winners of the Bermuda - Montserrat clashes will take on El Salvador in the next round in June.

“I can assure you that all of CONCACAF will have a close eye on how both teams perform in this match,” added Sabir.

“Obviously it is going to be vitally important for Bermudians to come out and rally behind the national team. The team has steadily progressed since they initially began training and so we urge everyone to come out and lend their support because this is the real deal.”

Assigned to Sunday's international fixture - which will be preceded by a Legends East versus West all-star contest featuring some of the Island's former greats at 12.30 p.m. - are referee Michael Kennedy, assistant referees Gregory Barkey and Chris Strickland and fourth official Ali Saheli all from the US, match commissioner Francis Cezair of Trinidad and Tobago and referee inspector Castro Gutierrez of Costa Rica.

Sabir added: “We have also developed some interactive fan activities; chants and various things to do at the match and we hope everyone who comes out bring along their screaming voices.

“We are also encouraging Bermudians to come by the BFA offices or to the National Sports Centre to purchase the Bermuda team jerseys or track suits.

“We are going to be encouraging everyone to do everything Bermudian on Sunday and so this appeal is going out to everybody.

“It's going to be a great occasion; we are looking forward to a fantastic performance and it can only be done in part by everyone in the stands cheering for Bermuda.”

Montserrat, meanwhile, arrive in Bermuda tonight at 10 p.m. with a 26-strong touring contingent which includes Montserrat Football Association president Vincent Castle and first-vice president James White Jr.

This will be the Caribbean team's, placed 204th - rock bottom- in FIFA's world rankings, second time competing in the World Cup qualifying rounds. Montserrat debuted in the 2002 qualifying series which saw them ousted at the first hurdle by the Dominican Republic.

“I think people need to recognise the great effort Montserrat have put in to participate in this event - especially the fact they have to travel quite a distance to get to Bermuda. So I definitely commend them for taking up the challenge and look forward to witnessing some attractive football,” added Sabir, an official during a CONCACAF Olympic tournament held in Mexico earlier this month.