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Sir Vivian Richards's game plan for coaching the West Indies to victory in New Zealand involves mental preparation.

There will be a lot of positive dialogue exchanged and patting on the back to build the confidence of the players to make them realise that winning is a capable and reachable goal, he told WEEKENDSPORT before flying out from Grantley Adams airport on Wednesday night.

Sir Viv also said that one of his future goals is to have past West Indies cricketers provide motivational talks for present players. Based primarily on performances during the Busta Cup, the new coach is optimistic about the tour of New Zealand.

However, the man who never lost a series as West Indies captain cautioned West Indies fans to be realistic about a team that he described as being in a state of re-building.

A lot of people expect miracles from the team, but they have to understand that the team is going through a transition period, he said.

Moreover, according to Sir Viv, the conditions in New Zealand are very difficult to play under.

New Zealand is very damp, and the Kiwis play well under these conditions, he said.

We are arriving in New Zealand earlier than we usually do for a Test series. This may benefit the players as they will have the opportunity to practice in the damp conditions they will have to play in, added Sir Viv, who has been appointed for this tour only, but who has said he will apply for the job for a longer term when it is advertised.

The West Indies arrive in New Zealand this weekend but don't play their first match until next Friday. The series against New Zealand involves two Tests, the first of which starts on December 16, and five One-Day Internationals.

Captain Brian Lara agreed with his coach about the benefits of arriving in New Zealand early.

It will give us a chance to acclimatise, said Lara, whose response to how he feels about the tour was: We've got to win. We have to find a formula to win. I know that Sir Viv Richards will play an important role in developing our skills, especially in respect to batting, he said.

He said he aimed to please the Caribbean public by having a successful tour.

I feel much better seeing a happy West Indian face, than one that is angry, he said.

Opening batsman Sherwin Campbell is pumped about the tour but a little unhappy at leaving his new bride, Rosalind, behind,

It is disappointing to have to leave so soon after getting married, but it is my job and I have to do it.

© The Barbados Nation