Former national cricket coach Mark Harper believes Bermuda have the potential to qualify for a second straight World Cup – but admits their task is a daunting one.

"Bermuda can qualify for the next world Cup . . . but it will take a big effort from the players," Harper told The Royal Gazette.

Unofficially, it has been revealed Gus Logie's men will come up against the likes of ICC Associate powerhouses Kenya, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Denmark and the eventual winner of next month's ICC World Cricket League Division Three at next April's World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.

During the previous World Cup (formerly the ICC Trophy) campaign in Ireland, a top two finish in their round robin group was all Bermuda required to secure one of an unprecedented five World Cup berths on offer.

However, the World Cup qualifying format has since been revised and is now comprised of a round robin and a super eight stage, with the eventual top four teams advancing to the 2011 World Cup in the sub-continent and top six all earning ODI status.

Since appearing in last year's World Cup in the Caribbean Bermuda's squad has taken on a new identity with key cogs such as former skipper Clay Smith, wicketkeeper/batsman Dean Minors and all-rounder Saleem Mukuddem having hung up their gear.

In their absences a new generation of cricketers have emerged, such as the immensley talented Chris Douglas who burst onto the senior national scene earlier this year by slamming successive half-centuries against Associate rivals Canada and Test side West Indies in Toronto.

Among those who represented Bermuda at the last World Cup is mercurial all-rounder, Lionel Cann, who shone with the bat and stood head and shoulders above the crowd during last month's Americas Championship in Florida.

Cann struck an unbeaten ton (101) against minnows Surinam and also thumped half-centuries against USA and Canada batting at the top of the order. It was an awesome display of consistency that might have gone some way towards convincing the powers that be that he is capable of leading his country one day.

"It is good to see Lionel (Cann) fulfilling his batting potential and being consistent.

"His desire to captain Bermuda also indicates that wants the responsibility of playing a leading role," said Harper, whose four-year stint as national coach ended following the 2004 ICC Intercontinental Cup in Toronto.

"A captain must be a leader in the true sense of the word and if Lionel has matured as a person and displayed those qualities then he should be considered (for captaincy of Bermuda). However, if his desire to captain the Island is fuelled by his batting success (in Florida) then he would not be as effective a leader as is needed.

"Bermuda need a strong leader who understands his players and has their respect on and off the field. I think Gus Logie is the best person to make a call on Lionel Cann's captaincy ambitions, and who should be the next person to take over."

During his tenure as national coach Harper played an integral role in the development of some of those currently plying their trade at the senior level and was also influential in luring current Bermuda skipper Irving Romaine to the national programme.

"Irving (Romaine) has done a good job during his tenure. He understands the players and is widely respected because he is honest, impartial and very committed," he said. "Irving has also carried the batting over the recent past and I hope he regains his batting form soon as his input in the team is needed."

Harper is encouraged by the steps being taken by Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) and Government to enhance the game, but believes there's still much work to be done on and off the pitch.

"It takes committed personnel on and off the field to turn these opportunities into success," he said.

"It should also be noted that it is important to ensure that discipline and quality personnel are working with the players."