ATHLETIC have completed their second summer signing by swooping to complete a deal for a left-sided defender.

Former Kelty Hearts loanee Kieran Ngwenya has arrived at KDM Group East End Park on a two-year deal after leaving top flight Aberdeen.

Boss James McPake has beat off competition from elsewhere, including English Football League (EFL) Championship outfit, Queens Park Rangers, to land the 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Partick Thistle.

Glasgow-born Ngwenya, who made his international debut for Malawi, for whom he is eligible through his parents, in 2021, joined the Dons as a youth from Edinburgh's Tynecastle FC.

Dunfermline Press:

He made his debut for the Pittodrie club against Ross County in December 2020 and, after a temporary stint with Cove Rangers later that season, joined Kelty on loan in the 2021/22 campaign.

He made 27 appearances for the New Central Park club as they clinched the League Two title, and subsequently enjoyed further loan moves to Raith Rovers, during the following campaign, and Partick, last term, playing 30 and 21 times respectively.

Kieran Ngwenya had a loan spell with Kelty Hearts during season 2021/22, helping them win the League Two title.Kieran Ngwenya had a loan spell with Kelty Hearts during season 2021/22, helping them win the League Two title. (Image: David Wardle.)

"I'm happy to be here," Ngwenya said after putting pen to paper earlier today.

"I think it has been in the works for a good few weeks now. I'm happy to get it sorted, get in with the boys and get started.


READ MORE: Athletic gaffer discusses 'exciting' fixture schedule


"With the opening coming up recently, and speaking to the manager about the way he wants to play, it suits me really well. I think it is a good place for me to come and kick on. I think I have a lot to give to help the team.

"Partick expressed an interest to keep me but, after the way things went last season, I think it is time for me to move on to get myself as many games as possible.

"It was the better move for my career."

Ngwenya's arrival comes after the sale of left back Josh Edwards, last Wednesday, to EFL League One outfit, Charlton Athletic.


READ MORE: Pars set for East Fife test after pre-season training return


Dunfermline's newest addition, following the capture of forward Chris Kane last month, revealed however he turned down the chance to also move to London with QPR, continuing: "There was a mention and talks I think, a bit of interest from them, but I was really focused on getting first team football.

"I wasn’t really sure how much exposure I would get down there. The under-23s didn’t really interest me too much. It was nice to hear, good feedback it always gives you confidence but once Dunfermline came in, I knew this was the place I wanted to be."

We will have more on Ngwenya's arrival in next week's Press Sport.