Eric Tinkler has a Plan B should Felipe Ovono have to go off injured in Orlando Pirates' CAF Confederation Cup group stage game against AC Leopards at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates go into the crucial penultimate game against the Congo club in the tenuous position of having just Ovono available as a goalkeeper, and with no goalie on the bench. A win will seal the Buccaneers' place in the semifinals of the continental tournament.

Tinkler revealed he had asked journalists to keep the information quiet.

But the cat is out of the bag after a question was asked on Bucs' keeper situation in the press conference after Pirates' 4-1 Absa Premiership thrashing of Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

The coach said he will have an outfield player on his bench who can adapt to goalkeeper should the need arise.

"I've spoken to a few people here and asked them to keep the fact that we only have one goalkeeper available quiet. Obviously it's not an ideal situation, but it's the one we find ourselves in," Tinkler said.

"Hence the fact I'm actually protecting Ovono. You would think because he's been on the bench - he came on [against SuperSport United] in Polokwane for Brighton [Mhlongo] - so he should be the one in the starting line-up [against Chippa]. But I had obviously had that fear because I could have ended up going to the Leopards game with no goalkeeper.

"So we do know we need to have a player who can adapt. And we have already identified that player."

Pirates registered Mhlongo, currently out injured, and Patrick Zikalala as their goalkeepers at the start of the Confederation Cup. They added Ovono when the group stages began but could not deregister Zikalala, who has been loaned out to Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Siyabonga Mpontshane, who started ahead of Ovono against the Chilli Boyz on Tuesday, is not registered for the continental competition.

Midfielder Mpho Makola put himself firmly in contention for selection against Leopards with his stunning brace of long-range goals against United midweek. Pirates are expecting a few players back from injury against Leopards.

"Patrick Phungwayo had fluid in the knee. I rested him for Leopards," Tinkler said.

"Thabo Matlaba has been training now. We could see him in action in the next few weeks. Thabo Rakhale was not risked with a groin strain. Menzi Masuku was tramped on his ankle against SuperSport."