Jess Thorup aims for a winning start with Al Ahly in Burundi

Jess Thorup, Al Ahly’s new Danish coach, is brimming with gratitude for the warm welcome his team received upon arriving in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Preparing for their CAF Champions League first-leg clash against Eagle Noire, Thorup’s optimism was clear. “We were greeted with remarkable hospitality and top-notch accommodations. This positive start is a strong motivator for my journey with Al Ahly,” he reflected.

Thorup has kept a close eye on Eagle Noire’s previous games, acknowledging their talents and emphasizing respect for every opponent. Still, he’s certain Al Ahly’s quality can shine through away from home. This isn’t his first African adventure, past experience in South Africa gave him a taste of the continent’s football energy, and he knows both its tactical and physical demands well.

On the unpredictable Burundi weather, Thorup joked, “It’s nothing like Cairo! Heavy rain yesterday, but that doesn’t matter. What’s important is delivering a good performance and securing a win.” He sees this as only the first half, with the second to be decided in Cairo.

Al Ahly’s training has been intense, focusing on tactics as the team builds a strong foundation for Thorup’s ambitious tenure. “I respect the club’s great history, but I’m here to build for the present and future,” he affirmed. The club’s supporters and Egyptian embassy have shown their encouragement, hoping Thorup’s first official test marks a victorious new chapter for Al Ahly.