By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport Online, Cairo

Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere is the new coach of Egyptian club Al Ahly.

Ahly signed the former coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles on a one year contract, on a monthly salary of $18,000.

Bonfrere will take charge of the team in August and will lead them in the African Champions League and next season's domestic campaign.

Bonfrere seeks Nigerian return

He replaces Manuel Jose, who was sacked by the club's board at the end of last season.

The Portuguese coach was dismissed despite winning the African Champions' League and Super Cup.

The club's decision to sack Jose was not welcomed by the majority of its fans.

The Champions League is Bonfrere's first test

Before Bonfrere's appointment, Ahly's officials had approached several European coaches for the job.

Fellow countryman Arie Haan was the preferred choice but they were unable to reach a financial agreement.

Haan had demanded a $30,000 monthly salary, which the club refused to pay.

Achievements

Bonfrere is a well known coaching figure to Ahly's fans and throughout Africa.

He managed the Nigerian team to the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and a silver medal at the 2000 African Nations Cup.

Bonfrere's reputation and wage demands suited the club's requirements after negotiations with Haan broke down.

Meanwhile, Ahly's rivals,Zamalek, is expected to sack its German coach Otto Pfister, despite leading them to the Cup last season.