Jamaica for a proposed five-game series of one-day matches is guaranteed to make Bermuda their "best-prepared ever'' since entering the ICC Trophy Tournament.

This was the claim by Bermuda's team manager for the campaign in Kenya early next year, McDonald Swan, who will also serve in that capacity in Jamaica.

Swan, who was a team official in Holland in 1990, was quick to warn that Bermuda faced a stiff task in the build-up for Kenya when they go up against the national team and two to three of the other top club sides in Jamaica next week.

In making his appraisal, Swan also agreed with former West Indies Test fast bowler Michael Holding that Bermuda's opponents while on tour of the Caribbean island will be far superior to the teams that will oppose Bermuda in Kenya next year.

"There will be no make-believe opponents in Jamaica, I know for a fact that the Jamaica Red Stripe team and probably some of their club teams will be stronger than the countries in the ICC competition,'' said Swan.

"If we were to lose in Jamaica the players will not be deterred, thanks to long talks by veterans Lionel Thomas and Winston Trott the squad has been advised to expect tough matches. They have been told to play hard and remain competitive and I expect them to do just that,'' he added.

In giving praise for the team's physical shape, Swan commended trainer Nick Jones of the Olympic Club for a physical programme that previous teams had never had to endure.

"It's the hardest training ever experienced by an ICC squad, and I feel that the guys are in the best mental and physical condition going into a competition like the ICC,'' added Swan.

"They are all anxious to play in Jamaica and view the matches as an important stepping stone to ICC. When they return home for a few weeks after the Jamaica tour, then they can really tune in for the challenge ahead in Kenya,'' noted Swan.

Swan recalled the huge challenge Bermuda faced during the last ICC Trophy competition in Holland when matches were played under stressful conditions. He felt that a well-conditioned team like the present one would have probably been more prepared for the task.

"This team is better prepared for what we encountered in Holland where it was always raining and very wet and muddy and where we also had to adjust to playing on a matting after getting away from that format in Bermuda some time ago. It was just tough,'' said Swan.

It is hoped that the Jamaca tour will not only get Bermuda vital match practice that they have been unable to get locally, but also help to toughen up the players and prepare them for any similar tough adjustments they are forced to make to their game in Kenya.

The Bermuda squad are scheduled to return on January 8.

Tentative match itinerary Dec. 28 -- Jamaica; Dec. 30 -- Jamaica; Jan. 4 -- Kensington CC; Jan. 5 -- Melbourne CC; Jan. 6 -- Lucas CC.