Arthur, who will quit as coach of Eastern Cape, is under contract until the end of the 2007 World Cup.

           Jennings recently steered South Africa to Test and one-day series successes in the West Indies but loses the job he took on a short-term deal last October.

           "It's an incredible honour and privilege and I feel that I can really step up to the breach and make a difference," Arthur said.

            "I am here to create a platform and an environment for our players to perform. My long-term goal is to ultimately become the best in the world."

              Despite South Africa's improvement under Jennings, it was former 'A' team coach Arthur who got the nod in a lengthy selection process that saw the likes of Steve Waugh, Tom Moody and Geoff Marsh linked with the job.

            A former opening batsman for Griqualand West and Free State, Arthur began coaching at first-class level after he retired as a player four years ago.

           Jennings, who replaced Eric Simons, announced his arrival by saying players could expect "a good kick up the backside", and it is thought his hard-nosed approach did not sit well with all.