Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has likened his squad’s revival at Downs to a similar transition made by Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, saying that it’s key to find the balance between youth and experience.

After securing a third successive PSL title, Sundowns will have the chance to secure a historic treble when they face Bloemfontein Celtic in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday evening.

Over the last couple of windows, Mosimane has focused on bringing in younger players as he aims to revitalise his squad by signing the likes of goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and midfielder Haashim Domingo from Bidvest Wits, Lesedi Kapinga from Black Leopards and Grant Margeman from Ajax Cape Town.

In addition, the Highlands Park duo of Mothobi Mvala and the league’s joint top-goalscorer, Peter Shalulile, are reportedly on their way to Chloorkop as well.

Downs have also witnessed a number of players graduate from their academy this season, and with great success, as Promise Mkhuma, Phakamani Mahlambi, Keletso Makgalwa, Nicholus Lukhubeni and Sphelele Mkhulise all featured for the first team.

The Brazilians, though, still have a number of experienced pros such as captain Hlompho Kekana as well as goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Kennedy Mweene, striker Anthony Laffor and defender Wayne Arendse – all 35 years old.

Speaking to the media, Mosimane admitted that it’s important to find the right balance or one would suffer the consequences like Barcelona.

“I have several players who’ve passed 30: Anele [Ngcongca], Kennedy Mweene, [Tebogo] Langerman, [Tiyani] Mabunda, Wayne,” said Mosimane.

“Eventually you have to rebuild the team, that’s why I have signed younger players for next season. The likes of Lesedi Kapinga, Ricardo Goss, Haashim Domingo and Grant Margeman. But you can’t throw them all in at once.

“You need Kekana there to guide them. The senior players are key in blending in the new players. Zinedine Zidane did it well at Real Madrid, something that Barcelona failed to do.

“I stuck with him because he’s my captain; he’s an important player. I think he played more minutes than anyone in the bubble,” Mosimane added.