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No added pressure - Barker

Mbombela - Mpumalanga Black Aces head coach Clive Barker is not feeling any added pressure to beat Kaizer Chiefs when the two sides meet early next month.

Amazayoni will meet the Phefeni Glamour Boys in the MTN8 quarter-finals on the first weekend in August.

In an exclusive interview with Sport24, the 1996 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning coach admitted that his charges will be the underdogs heading to their clash due to Amakhosi's heroics in Cup competitions.

“Playing Chiefs in Cup competitions is always tough,” Barker said.

“But we don’t feel any added pressure at all.

“When you play Chiefs in Cup matches, most people expect you to lose the game, which makes it easier for your players.

“So, we will go there to play and win the game without being pressurised.

Chiefs finished the 2013/14 PSL season in second spot, while Aces finished in seventh place.

Barker’s troops enjoyed a tremendous season in his maiden campaign with the club as they managed to clinch a Top 8 spot.

“The Dog” hailed his experienced players in the team - Mbulelo Mabizela and Mabhuti Khenyeza - stating that their experience served as motivation for the team.

The former AmaZulu and Santos mentor believes that the Mbombela-based outfit will repeat their tremendous form in the 2014/15 campaign.

“Last season we had a quality team.

“We were also boosted by the presence of experienced players like Mabhuti (Khenyeza) and Mbulelo (Mabizela) in our squad.

“We were motivated by their presence and experience and I believe that is the reason we had a good season as we also managed to grab a Top 8 spot.

“Even in the upcoming season, my goal will be to do better than we did last season.

“It will be good for the team if we finish the season inside the Top 8 again.”

Aces might be boosted by the availability of the three veterans in Sibusiso Zuma, Rowen Fernandez and Collins Mbesuma.

The veteran trio are currently on trial at the club, but the 70-year-old mentor is yet to make a decision with regards to signing them on a permanent basis.

“Yes they are training with us at the moment.

“They are really working hard at training.”

“But for now nothing has been finalised yet as we are still waiting for them to reach their full fitness,” Barker concluded.

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