Jennings launches tough SA regime

Five things need to be reintroduced to the team: passion, respect, image, discipline and enjoyment Ray Jennings

South Africa's international players can anticipate "a good kick up the backside" from new coach Ray Jennings.

Jennings, a self-confessed hard man, has warned his poorly performing team to expect a culture shock.

He told the Rapport newspaper: "If the players expect soft drinks, I will make sure there are none."

"They will go to a tap and get on their knees and drink water until they realise that it is an honour to play for South Africa."

He added: "I think there are a few players in the team who need a good kick up the backside."

Some fear that Jennings's abrasive style could backfire on a team that features Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Mark Boucher, who hold 241 Test caps between them.

I think changing the coach is an extremely stupid idea Craig Matthews Former SA Test cricketer

Ray White, a former president of the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB), is worried about the impact Jennings might have on the ethos of South African cricket.

"Jennings has a reputation for being a hard man, and I'm sure he will take his own brand of cricket management into the UCB," White said.

"But cricket seems to be moving more towards the spirit of the game, and Jennings's appointment is almost swimming against the tide of playing cricket according to the spirit of the game.

"I wonder how popular he will make the South African team while he is in charge."

Jennings, 50, was appointed to shake up the cricket team after Eric Simons was sacked in the wake of a poor run of results.

Jennings said: "For me to succeed five things need to be reintroduced to the team: passion, respect, image, discipline and enjoyment.

"The players will work with me or I walk."