arrived with the task of taking Bermuda's soccer to a higher level, but if first impressions were anything to go by he might have wanted to reconsider his decision to take up the position.

After a long day of travelling on Tuesday, Ziese arrived at the airport devoid of his luggage and with no welcoming committee in sight -- BFA officials had envisioned a later flight arrival time. Add to that the dreary weather and the outlook was indeed bleak.

Yesterday, after purchasing a few new garments, it was time for the 49-year-old German to meet the Press and the scene brightened as it became clear that here was a man who appeared capable of performing on all levels of administrative football, with a proven track record and possessed a keen sense of humour to boot.

When asked what he would tackle first, Ziese jokingly answered: "Accommodation! You know how important it is for a man to feel at home.

"In the association I feel at home, but my wife is married to me and she also has to be at home.'' Seriously, though, he admitted that a stiff job lay ahead and that he would do all within his power to ensure the upward movement of the sport.

He also moved to dissociate himself from whatever had gone on in the past, preferring to look to the future and strive to reach new horizons.

"The task is a real big task for me and I'm sure I have the potential to fulfill the expectations,'' said Ziese, who rejected offers from Iran, Iraq and Sudan to take up the three-year $50,000 post.

"My last assignment was in Ghana, which was the most successful team in Africa in 1991-92. They have many world-renowned players playing in France, Germany and Holland. I don't know if can produce such good players over here.. .time will tell.

"It may be that we need to improve the whole association, but it is not up me to judge on previous mistakes, if any have been made, we'll let time tell in the future.'' Gerard Bean, chairman of the coaching committee that chose Ziese, listed among his duties would be to have input on the league structure from Mini-Minors to First Division; to conduct coaching courses for coaches, referees, physical education teachers and all segments of community.

Also, he will be responsible for selection of all teams and coaching of all teams.

"He has vast experience in technical aspects of football -- in coaching, in conducting courses,'' said Bean. " We will obviously during his tenure try to set up new initiatives. One will be the registration of coaches by certification.

"I'm sure that when he's finished his contract that you will see a different football association than what you see today.'' A self-described disciplinarian, Ziese -- a graduate of the University of Sports in Cologne with a diploma in football and general physical education -- enters with an open mind and flexibility as to which style of play will be adopted, whether it be the more direct European mode or the South American short-passing variety.

Said Ziese: "It's not a question of systems, it's a question of technical ability and technical behaviour. We the coaches can easily say we would like to play 3-5-2, but during the match those who have to play and have to stick in certain positions and maybe with zone marking don't understand.

"It's not up to me now to judge in which system or technical behaviour we are going to play. If it materialises that we are going to play the United States in March then the players will give me the answer and we will change, but according to the opposition.

"What I want to do and what the players want to do is often a different story and I have to adapt to the players and the players hopefully have to adapt to the international scene.

"I come here and I'm not biased with anyone, I'm not in favour of any players. I'm absolutely new to Bermuda, we'll see the first matches over the weekend and when my official job starts (in January), or even now, I'll make my remarks for the individual players and as in most countries the Press will also assist me by highlighting players and condemning others.'' Youth development was something to be emphasised and to this end Ziese wanted to get into the schools and work closely with the Department of Education.

The Bermuda national under-14 and under-17 youth teams would also be exposed to more international competition.

It is also hoped that a Bermudian understudy would be named to take over after Ziese concludes his three-year tenure.

"Part of the immigration permission is that we identify a Bermudian in the next year to understudy the replacement of Burkhard,'' said BFA president Charlie Marshall. "But as it's been made quite clear to the minister and Bermuda the association is not going to be in position to support that without a financial package put together to support the Bermudian understudy.'' BURKHARD ZIESE -- `...I'm sure I have the potential to fulfill the expectations.'