South Africa's interim coach Ray Jennings said he was not upset by media reports quoting captain Graeme Smith as saying he would like Steve Waugh to take up the position. "It's news to me," Jennings told a news conference in East London on Tuesday. "I know what I'm worth, what I can do, and I'm not perturbed by that. I have a passion to stay in the game, and I have made a mark on the side."
Jennings's contract as South Africa coach runs until the end of the team's tour to the West Indies at the end of May.
Comments attributed to Smith have appeared in several British publications, the captain saying he would like an Australian in charge with Waugh at the head of the queue.
South Africa media manager Gerald de Kock said the coach's position would be advertised this week.
Jennings said he had an "enjoyable relationship" with Smith.
"He's young and exciting, I challenge him and he challenges me," Jennings said. "He sent me a text message yesterday saying: 'Coach, you're a champion'.
"The (team's) passion has been good, and our catching and ground fielding has improved.
"I will speak to the players and if they want me as a leader I will re-apply, it's all about the players."
Jennings took over in October when Eric Simons resigned. He led the team to India, where they lost 1-0, before losing a home Test series to England for the first time in 40 years last month.
"If we had got the balance right quicker we could have won the Test series or at least levelled it," Jennings said.
"If the powers at be were looking for results only, maybe they should have left selection to me. I'm not trying to impress people outside of the dressing room.
"I want to make sure I make an impact on the players and that they have enjoyed my way of coaching. I felt from early on that the players bought into my thought patterns."
South Africa lead the one-day series 2-1 going into the fifth of seven matches in East London today (Wednesday).
"I've always thought we were almost there and that we would click at some stage, so I'm not surprised," Jennings added.
"This side has an amazing ability to bounce back and play toughcricket."
Jennings said South Africa were considering selecting an extra bowler for Wednesday's match.
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