Holding is convinced that his task of getting them prepared for the big challenge that lies ahead in Kenya is not going to be a difficult one.

In fact, the former West Indies fast bowler was so impressed by the local players that he feels that there are no major problems for him to sort out before they head out for Jamaica on a five-game tune-up tour on Boxing Day.

"I do not think it will be a big chore getting them ready for ICC. They have the ability to do well over there, it's just a matter of them motivating themselves and performing as a unit,'' said Holding.

"Whatever slight technical flaws there were I tried to correct them by working closely with the players, but there was nothing major.'' During lengthy sessions at Sea Breeze Oval on both days Holding was able to watch all of the batsmen and bowlers closely and after the work-outs he admitted to be impressed with both the skill and enthusiasm of the players.

He noted that it was important for the players to concentrate fully on the job ahead, forget about the fact that they play for different local teams and concentrate on lifting their game to a higher level.

"It's clear that the ability is there, they did very well, they have the basic ability and it's a matter of channelling their sights on nothing but ICC. They have to get in the right frame of mind for a tournament like this,'' said Holding.

"They have to focus on ICC as something they really want to achieve, it's something they should want to do for themselves and Bermuda. ICC is a step up from the Cup Match and other big local games they have been playing, their ability now has to be translated into attitude on the field of play.'' Holding is aware that the main purpose the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control approached him for the coaching job is to motivate the players so that they can better prepare themselves for the tough road ahead in Kenya.

When he returns to Jamaica next week he will immediately assist others, including Basil Williams, in preparing that country's team for the Red Stripe tournament. Despite this though Holding is eager to get in as much time as possible with the Bermuda players.

"Motivation is important. I have been there (at a higher level) and know how one should prepare to play against top opposition. The West Indies had a lot of great players way back and still did not do much, you must play together as a team,'' said Holding.

"Before I even started the session I talked to the players about the fact that they have to be united and perform as a team. They have to forget about everything else. Games like Cup Matches are now history, this is a Bermuda team.'' Holding strongly believes that he can still make a decent contribution in the preparation of the team despite the fact that it is unlikely he will have a full squad for training during the week because of work commitments.

But he reckons that even with six or seven players during morning and afternoon sessions there is a considerable amount of work that can be done with those present.

"A lot will depend on the availability of the players, but we intend to do as much work as possible with whatever numbers that show up during the week days,'' he said.

"We will try to utilise the daylight hours as much as possible and afterwards sit down with them and talk about the game of cricket. My job is also to get them to think more about the game because most of it is in the head. It's important to get them thinking about what to do under certain circumstances, how to play according to certain conditions.'' Holding will oversee a training session with members of the national squad today at Devonshire Recreation Club at noon. There will also be a meeting of the full squad at 6.30 p.m.

MICHAEL HOLDING -- Likes what he sees.