SSU to remain professional

Johannesburg - Although sympathetic to Orlando Pirates' loss after the death of Senzo Meyiwa, SuperSport United defender Thabo September says it will be business as usual as they attempt to march into the final of the Telkom Knockout.

"It's all about football at the end of the day.

"We can't feel bad about winning as professional players, it’s our job to do well for our teams," September said in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

Pirates will return to action against United in the Telkom Knockout semi-final at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, for the first time since the death of captain Meyiwa.

The last time the two clubs met in the MTN8 quarterfinal in August, the Buccaneers triumphed 2-1.

Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba said the team would look to play the match in honour of the slain goalkeeper.

"The guys are adjusting since the tragedy, we have been through counselling and we need to do well for Senzo. It's been a heavy past week for us," Gcaba said.

With Brighton Mhlongo the likeliest to take over the goalkeeping reins at the Soweto giants, Gcaba said the team had been working to instil confidence in the youngster.

"Brighton has been low in the last couple of days. He was heavily affected by the loss of Senzo, but we just told him to be strong and move on as a team."

Gcaba said the time spent with counsellors had helped the team move on after the tragedy.

"We have been on and off, on the field with training, we'll just have to see on the day.

"They came in and spoke to us as a group and individually. Some of the guys are okay but some are struggling.

"We have been trying to motivate those that have been weakest in the team."

United have been in good form since coach Gordon Igesund took over the reigns at the club from Cavin Johnson.

With the team playing with new vigour and a different make-up, September believed they could conquer Pirates.

"It's an opportunity for the players to get a win over Pirates who have had the upper hand before.

"We have to make sure we play our best football and put the past behind us and focus on the match.

"After the win in our last game the players are confident and looking forward to it."

Defending champions Platinum Stars would meanwhile take on Mamelodi Sundowns at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.