'I'd like to believe I can retain my position'

After a successful series against West Indies, where South Africa won the Tests 2-0 and one-dayers 5-0, Ray Jennings, their coach, has expressed his keenness to retain his job. He has remained hopeful despite reports indicating that Mickey Arthur, currently coaching Eastern Cape, was likely to get the job in about a week's time.

"I've only heard the rumours. That's speculation," Jennings was quoted as saying by The Trinidad Express. "I think all coaches around the world will tell you when you perform poorly and you lose, you get sacked. I'd like to believe I performed well and my results speak for themselves. I'd like to believe I can retain my position."

Jennings was appointed as the interim coach after Eric Simons was sacked ahead of the India series in October last year. Since then, under the guidance of Jennings, South Africa have achieved a success rate of almost 90% in one-day internationals, winning 12 out of the 15 played with one tie and one loss. In Tests, South Africa has won five Tests, lost three along with five draws.

"I've achieved all my goals which I set six to seven months ago," Jennings said. "I'm very happy and proud to be where we are at the moment. No matter what side you play, even at home, it's difficult to get a whitewash," he continued. "To come away to any country in the world and get a whitewash is really an exceptional performance. The team is starting to gel. The individuals are starting to come through. We've got the right players in the right areas. The intensity and passion is there also."