The Buccaneers host the Congolese side on Saturday evening, but will go into the match with only one goalkeeper – Felipe Ovono – after an injury to Brighton Mhlongo.
Pirates only have two goalkeepers registered for the competition after Philani Zikalala left for Golden Arrows.
“Having only one goalkeeper for such a crucial match is a big worry,” Motale tells snl24.com/kickoff. “Ideally you want to have at least one goalkeeper on the bench and now Pirates must bank on Ovono not getting injured or sent off.
“When I was playing for Pirates, we had our goalkeeper Ivo Simonic sent off and [Ernest] Botsotso Makhanya had to play in goals. We all panicked because we didn’t want to concede. No-one wanted to overlap and every time we had a corner-kick against us, everyone had to come back and defend, including the strikers.
“I hope that Pirates don’t find themselves in that position this weekend.”
Despite the goalie concern, Motale is confident Bucs will qualify for the semi-finals.
“I’m confident they will make it. Pirates are enjoying themselves in Africa and nothing will stop them,” he says.
Pirates need a win or a draw to ensure qualification for the last four.