the United States Under-23 team in late March.

Two matches are tentatively scheduled for what is being referred to as a Bermuda Select against the Americans, who will be on the Island continuing with preparations for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

It will also mark the beginning of a local quest to qualify for the Summer Games in Atlanta as well as giving an indication of the comparative standard between the two nations.

"It's (tour) part and parcel of their needs as well as ours,'' said Bermuda Football Association administrative assistant David Sabir yesterday.

"We're always striving to participate in competitions such as the Olympics and it is good that we can get a measure of opposition from the host country.'' The pair of matches have been set down for March 29 and 31, with the venue to be announced, although, it is likely to be the National Stadium.

Meanwhile, Olympic qualifying rounds begin in 1995 with Bermuda having to emerge successful from competition in the CONCACAF region in order to make the short plane ride to the Peach state.

Countries such as Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica and others in the district would likely stand as the road blocks needed to be crossed.

A rule change recently adopted by the International Olympic Committee in conjunction with FIFA, soccer's world governing body, will allow teams to have two players over the age limit of 23. Otherwise, only those born on or after January 1, 1973 will be eligible to compete.

New director of coaching Burkhard Ziese stressed that the team chosen for these matches will not necessarily embark on the qualifying series, but for the moment, only those meeting the age criterion will be used.

"We still have 12 months until the first preliminary matches and we will give those we know a chance (for US tour),'' said Ziese, who will also soon choose a coach and assistant for the side.

"But the door is open in the future to anyone who performs well. This is a trial situation for us.'' Leading players eligible for the team are Dwayne Adams and Meshach Wade, both of whom were members of the 1992 World Cup side.

In addition, Ziese has invited all First Division coaches to a meeting next week in order to lay down a programme as to the direction the Under-23s and Under-20s will move.

The latter are also gearing for the Lanzera Cup, slated for late March and early April.

BURKHARD ZIESE