CLIVE "The Dog" Barker and his Black Aces side are keenly looking forward to their opening match of the season against Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8, the veteran coach said yesterday.

"We're looking like the old Aces again. We are pushing the ball around very nicely, and everyone is looking forward to getting the new season started," Barker said ahead of the meeting at FNB Stadium on Sunday, August 3.

"To play Chiefs this early in the season means a big vibe and to have a taste of cup football so early in the season, too, gets the competitive juices going.

"We know we have to be at the top of our game, especially the way we destroyed Chiefs' [PSL title] hopes last season. It was our win over them in April that effectively ended their hopes of winning the league."

Barker said the loss of players like Themba Zwane and Abel Mabaso, on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns last season, had proven a setback, "but I don't want to start making any excuses", he added.

"We lost three to four players who were key to us last season, but we've got new players in their place and we hope that can make exactly the same impact."

Barker said he was particularly looking forward to a striking comeback from Collins Mbesuma, having put the burly Zambian forward on a strict diet to get his weight down before the start of the season.

He is also hoping that another former Chiefs stalwart, Tinashe Nengomasha, will be signed in the next few days.