Diminutive midfielder Nazmi hopes to help JDT keep on creating history

PETALING JAYA: Midfielder Nazmi Faiz Mansor (pic) is looking forward to another chapter in his career with giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

The diminutive national midfielder joined the Southern Tigers from Selangor in 2017. Success came promptly as JDT won the Super League that year and retained the crown in 2018.

The five-time Super League champions have also signed striker Aaron Niguez from Spanish side Real Oviedo and defender Mauricio dos Santos Nascimento from Italian outfit Lazio.

Nazmi said that the players are shaping up well in training and the team will start their pre-season stint next month.

“Everything is running smoothly but there’s still room for improvement tactically, considering that the team are not complete yet,” said the playmaker.

“We will face pre-season matches next month and it will be the last stage of preparations for the 2019 season.”

The 24-year-old Nazmi added that besides eyeing a good outing in the AFC Champions League (ACL), they also aim to clinch a record sixth straight Super League title.

JDT won the 2015 AFC Cup – the second tier of the ACL – and now want to make an impact in the ACL.

After a long wait – including three failed attempts at the qualifying rounds since 2015 – JDT will make their debut in the premier competition next season after earning a direct slot.

“JDT have always created history and this must continue. Besides being the first Malaysian team playing in the ACL, winning the Super League title for the sixth time is also one of our priorities,” said Nazmi.