In what ca be regarded as one of the most intriguing early-season PSL signings, Bidvest Wits have scooped up talented former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thando Mngomeni.

Touted a major capture when he was transferred from Santos to Sundowns last season, Mngomeni, like many before and after him, lost his way at the PSL's obsessive spenders and found himself in-and-out of the team like someone trying to find his way out of a demotivating, depressing catacomb.

"But I had my eye on the boy immediately Sundowns placed him on the transfer list," said Wits coach Roger De Sa. "He did a great job for me when I was coaching Santos and he is one of the most gifted natural footballers in the country - one of the few in the PSL whom you would pay good money to go and watch."

De Sa said his objective was to restore Mngomeni's confidence and fitness and, in the process, insert an extra dimension to the Wits' midfield, while transforming the team's potential generally.

And if anyone can bring the best out of Mngomeni, it is the forthright, no-nonsense Wits coach.

"I think the move will be good for Thando," said De Sa, "and a boon for Wits as well."

Meanwhile, Wits meet AmaZulu at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon for their first match of the 2009/10 Absa Premiership season.