The man nicknamed “The Dog” is now in charge of Bidvest Wits, who have eliminated Amakhosi from one competition already this season.
In October, The Clever Boys were 3-2 winners against Chiefs in the first round of the Telkom Knockout under then-coach Antonio Lopez Habas. The two teams meet again, this time in the last-32 stage of the Nedbank Cup.
Barker, 68, said he was itching to take on Chiefs, usually referred to as the cup kings in South African football.
“I love playing Chiefs. The late Norman Elliot, while with Durban City, used to say give us Chiefs any day and we will take the money and the result,” Barker said.
Boosted by Wits’ come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Chippa United in an Absa Premiership clash on Wednesday night, Barker said he would draw inspiration from his past achievements in cup games.
“I have been in 12 national cup finals, the majority with AmaZulu and some with Durban City and the great Bush Bucks team as well,” said Barker. “That’s quite a few cup finals. Wits is coming the right way, but need a bit of time and there’s not enough time around.”
The former Bafana Bafana coach, who signed a six-month contract at Wits, said for him every match was a must-win if he had any hope of extending his stay at Milpark.
“Every game is going to be a bun fight because I want to win everything,” Barker said.
Amakhosi held on to their place at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win away to Black Leopards in midweek and will be desperate to keep the momentum going.
If Barker is to add any concerns about Amakhosi ahead of tomorrow’s match, it is the opposition’s winning streak and an injury to striker Calvin Kadi.
The Wits forward was subbed in the 27th minute after hurting his thigh, while defender Siboniso Gumede was sent off in the 90th minute and will now serve a two-match suspension.
Chiefs welcome striker Lehlohonolo Majoro back from suspension.
Kick-off is at 8.15pm.
NEDBANK CUP LAST 16 FIXTURES United FC v Orlando Pirates; Amazulu v Carara Kicks; Platinum Stars v Vasco Da Gama; Free State Stars v SuperSport United; Baroka FC v Moroka Swallows; Witbank Spurs v Mpumalanga Black Aces; BTX Liverpool v Black Leopards
