Solidly built and able to not only survive, but thrive, in harsh terrain, the cougar is a big cat with a voracious appetite.

And local soccer's version aim to show the Premier Division that they indeed are hungry and ready to feast upon whatever opposition has the misfortune of crossing their path.

Claws outstretched Cougars are back...Devonshire Cougars that is.

After winning promotion in sensational fashion, beating then leaders Ireland Rangers in the final game, Cougars seek a way to stick in the top flight and avoid the yo-yo syndrome that has been their penchant.

Player/coach Shawn Smith is confident they can, and drew inspiration from none other than defending league champions PHC, who proved it possible to go from the outhouse to the penthouse in seizing the title one year removed from the bottom division.

"The main goal is to survive,'' said Smith, a former Bermuda international midfielder who is equally adept in midfield or defence. "We've been doing a lot of extra training this pre-season, because we'd like to get a major trophy as well.

"We draw something from what PHC did. It's good to look at other teams and see what they do with their determination. It was good that they achieved their goal and achieved history as far as being the first team, and you never know, maybe we could be the first team to come up and get two (trophies) maybe even the triple crown, you never know.

"You have to be realistic, but we stand a good chance with the fight and determination we possess. We realise we're in the Super Eight and have to establish ourselves as one of the best teams, which won't be easy.'' To this end, Smith is emphasising the team concept, something especially important as his squad contains a lot of young players trying to get their feet wet in the top flight.

It will thus be important for the coach, along with assistant Albert Smith -- a former Bermuda team captain -- and senior players Phillip Clarke and P.J.

Coddington to maintain order and guide the younger members through the rough patches which surely will come.

"With any team the keys to success are team morale and harmony, that's what we're definitely striving for and we've seen a big improvement in that area,'' continued Smith. "That in hand -- because we're going to have ups and downs -- when we have our downs we can stay as one and overcome those periods.

"On the field our main concentration will be on defending and not giving away goals. Because we can score and have proven that over and over, but it's the fact of having mental lapses in defence and we have to get instilled the hype of defending that's rightfully ours.

"Man for man we stack up against anybody. Over the years Cougars have always had players of high calibre, but we still have to establish the team concept... all for one, one for all.'' Added Smith: "It will be definitely good to have a good start, that will go a way with enhancing morale and building greater team harmony.'' Will we hear Cougars roar, or simply end up a cat's meow? FAST FACTS Head coach: Shawn Smith Home field: Devonshire Recreation Club Team colours: Green/Gold Key arrivals: Larance Durham, Yusaff Pitt, Webster Mills Key departures: None Predicted finish: Sixth 1999-2000 finish: First (First Division) 1999-2000 honours: First Division champions