Fanz, who last coached German lower-league side Bonner SC, will start with the training of the Cuban team in May. He said he will shuttle between Germany and Cuba and that the current coaching staff will all remain on board to look after the team in his absence, according to the Xinhua news agency.

The German coach will guide the Cuban team through the first qualifying stage for the world cup in which Cuba will play against the winner of the match between Aruba-Antigua and Barbuda.

In statements to the German Football Federation, Fanz said that "the potential is there" for good results and that he will take the team on training camps in Austria and Germany in the summer so that "the boys learn something in Europe."

If the Cuban team makes it through to the following qualifying stage, it would be facing the United States, Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago, in home and away matches.

(www.cubanews.ain.cu)