Mahmoud Khamis, Al Nasr preparing for a potentially historic season

Jires Kembo-Ekoko (left), Mahmoud Khamis (center) and Jonathan Pitroipa (right) of Al Nasr celebrate their win against Al Wasl last season. (Al Ittihad)

DUBAI – Al Nasr captain Mahmoud Khamis says the club can achieve something special next season in their search for domestic and continental silverware.

The Dubai side are currently in Poland preparing for a potentially landmark campaign, with the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League to come later this month and the 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League kicking off on September 18.

Nasr are contesting the Champions League last eight for the first time in their history – they had never previously progressed beyond the group stages – and face Qatar’s El Jaish in a two-legged tie for a spot in the semi-finals. The first match takes place in Doha on August 24, with the return fixture at Al Maktoum Stadium three weeks later.

In between, Nasr begin their Arabian Gulf League bid as they seek to win a first UAE championship in 30 years. Last season, they finished fourth.

However, having won the President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup last year, and this summer adding marquee signings Abdelaziz Barrada and Wanderley, the club believe the new campaign can become one of the greatest in their history.

“Sure, I have a feeling this year will be different,” said Khamis, the Nasr left-back. “We have two competitions – the Asian Champions League and the league – and we need to concentrate on those.

“Of course, everyone here wishes to win the league and we really work for that. In the last three years with Al Nasr, thank God we won many competitions, we gave our best, we achieved something for this club and we try to give more.

“We fight for that. It’s not hard, but it’s not easy. We need to show team spirit, we can do it. We’ll try and we’ll never give up.”

Nasr’s summer recruitment, which includes talented UAE midfielder Fawaz Awana from Baniyas, has raised expectations at the club. Barrada signed after an admittedly disappointing spell at Marseille, but the Moroccan playmaker was a standout during his only season with Al Jazira in 2013/14, while Wanderley arrives from Sharjah having netted 32 goals in 51 UAE league matches.

“We played against them during the last two years and so we know them very well,” Khamis said. “They are good players. I’m sure they will help us reach our target.

“Even in training they try to give their best, try to do something with the team and I can see from their actions that they are serious. I’m very happy for them to be with us. Hopefully we’ll try to help them.

“If you want to win the league, there’s no need to have the best players to take title. We need to have enough team spirit. We can cover some positions, but the group must work as a team. That’s the most important thing for the league.”

Looking ahead to the Champions League clash with El Jaish, Khamis said: “We know we have a very important game in front of us. We’re working for that, trying to prepare for that game.

“The game will not be easy, but it won’t be easy for both of us. The match will be very difficult so I’m sure we’ll give our best to hopefully finish with a good result.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport