PLAYING without Senzo Meyiwa is going to take some getting used to for Orlando Pirates, but defender Ayanda Gcaba believes they will be ready to deliver when they return to the pitch tomorrow.

Pirates play for the first time since the death of Meyiwa when they host SuperSport United in a Telkom Knockout semifinal clash at Orlando Stadium (8.15pm).

The Buccaneers are a game away from reaching a sixth straight cup final and this is a chance for them to honour their deceased captain, according to Gcaba.

"We are adjusting bit by bit. Some of the guys are okay and some are not, but we are pushing to make sure that we are all okay for the weekend. We've had professionals speaking to us and the players are motivating one another," Gcaba said.

"We have to be strong and focus on the work that is ahead of us."

Brighton Mhlongo should get his first taste of PSL action in goal this season as Meyiwa's replacement.

"Brighton was devastated, but we were there for him. We have tried to keep him strong. We told him just to be himself and we will see how things go," Gcaba said.

A few weeks after passing the captain's armband to Meyiwa, Bucs defender Siyabonga Sangweni is likely to lead the team tomorrow.

"It's up to the coach to decide on who will captain the team. Sangweni was captain and then Senzo was captain. We don't know what's going to happen, but possibly Sangweni will be captain again. We will see," said Gcaba.

SuperSport players were also hit hard by Meyiwa's death, but veteran defender Thabo September said they will show no sympathy to their grieving opponents. SuperSport have done pretty well since Gordon Igesund took over as coach.

"They would not have put this game out for us to play if we were going to feel bad for winning," September said.