Kharaitiyat keen to have a positive start

Doha: Al Kharaitiyat were one of the strongest finishers in the league last season but all they will be thinking about this time is having a good start to their campaign.

Kharaitiyat had a wretched beginning last season, winning just one of their first 11 matches, but a strong run towards the end during which they registered six wins in their last seven games, including against El Jaish and Al Gharafa helped them finish seventh in the table.

This time coach Ahmed Al Ajlani would be keen to ensure that they start in a positive manner as they take on Umm Salal in their first match.

“We are hopeful of having a good start in the competition,” said Al Ajlani. “Our team is in a stable state. We have not got many changes.”

Kharaitiyat did not make much of a noise in the transfer market and their only noteworthy change was bringing in Ivorian defender Josue Mohy in place of Brazilian Domingos who left after five seasons with the club.

Moroccan duo Anwar Diba and Rachid Tiberkanine still shoulder most of their attacking responsibilities.

“Our goal is to offer a good level and to continue our journey from last season when we achieved good results with a remarkable performance that was praised by many. We look forward to do our best in the next phase which will be stronger and harder and we need to play as a team,” Tiberkanine told QSL website.

“We are working in the spirit of one family and this is one of the secrets of our strength and we will continue to work at the same pace in the new season in the hope that we will be better.”

 The 32-year-old midfielder said they were well prepared for the season after having their camp in Turkey.

Diba also said the camp in Turkey helped the players set as a unit.

“We have several goals in the season,” said Diba. “The first is to continue with the same spirit, determination and level we gave last season. We also look forward to the best and we have great optimism that the next will be better.

“Our team is characterised by the presence of a harmonious group of good players, and the spirit of one family at the club gives us strength and determination to try to provide something to the team that deserves much. The club management under the leadership of HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Thamer Al Thani has great ambitions and provides all the support. For the players in order to achieve the best, we for our part will do our best to achieve satisfactory results,” said Diba, adding that a positive start is very important.

“It is necessary to achieve two or three wins right away.”