The Buccaneers are facing a mini crisis following the injury of Brighton Mhlongo, leaving Felipe Ovono as the only fit player registered for CAF competitions.
Pirates had initially also registered Philani Zikalala, but he has since moved to Golden Arrows, while Siyabonga Mpontshane is not registered.
Bucs played Mpontshane in last night’s 4-1 Absa Premiership win against Chippa United, with coach Eric Tinkler admitting afterwards that they were ‘protecting’ Ovono.
snl24.com/kickoff has since learnt that Pirates put in a special request with CAF to have another keeper registered, but the request was denied.
CAF insists “There are two registration windows open and clubs should registrar players according to that schedule”.
Tinkler says they have already identified an outfield player to take over should something happen to Ovono on Saturday.
Pirates need a win or a draw to confirm their place in the last four.