Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has ample belief in his youngsters that they’ll be ready for their biggest assignment in domestic football this season.

Pirates will host arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3.30pm kick-off) in a Premiership tie.

This clash is the biggest event in the local sporting calendar, and the 90 000 tickets were sold out two weeks ago already.

And while it is often said that form counts for nothing in the derby, Pirates will head into this clash as clear favourites. They’ve been on a high all season long.

The Sea Robbers are second in the league with 27 points, six behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who’ve played one game more.

They are also in the CAF Champions League quarter-final and Nedbank Cup last 16 as well.

Pirates’ resurgence has been inspired by youngsters as Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, both 20, who have defied their age and stepped up for the team.

Riveiro has continued to throw more youngsters in the deep end, with Siyabonga Ndlozi, 22, also making his debut in the 2-1 win over Al Ahly in the last group game of the Champions League.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference at Soweto Theatre in Jabulani yesterday, Riveiro continued to rally behind his youngsters ahead of this sought-after event.

“So far, they have an influence on our team – freshness, performances, and the way we are trying to play football this season, which is slightly different than the previous season,” he said.

“I really believe that when you have players from your own development, they can give you something that no player can give you.

“They identify themselves differently with the team, club, supporters and their future as youngsters.

“So, we are happy to have them around. I hope they can have a good day on Saturday.

“It’s a pressure that we must share among all of us because some of them are going to have their first experience in a game like this.”

Riveiro is not naive to think that the stage might not be bigger for his youngsters tomorrow, but he’s assured them that every member of the team will be there to support them.

“There’s a bit of uncertainty around the way they are going to perform,” the 49-year-old Spain born coach explained.

“But the guys are more than ready. They show during the time we were playing in Africa they don’t step back. So, that’s what we want to see from them on Saturday as well.”