KCB FC defender Franck Nduwimana has earned a call-up to the Burundi national team after being named in coach Patrick Sangwa Mayani’s 33-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.Nduwimana, who joined the Bankers during the recent off-season transfer window, is the only FKFPL player selected for Burundi’s squad for the upcoming international assignment.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe defender joined KCB from Rwanda’s Gorilla FC as the Bankers strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026-2027 FKF Premier League campaign.His inclusion provides a major boost for both the player and KCB, with the call-up offering Nduwimana an opportunity to gain valuable international experience while representing his new club on the continental stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_9953037##Burundi have been drawn in Group I alongside Zambia, among other teams, and will begin their qualifying campaign with a demanding away fixture against Togo.The Swallows will face Togo at Stade de Kégué in Lomé on 25 September before returning home four days later to host Algeria at Stade Intwari in Bujumbura on 29 September.The back-to-back fixtures will provide an early test of Burundi’s ambitions as they seek to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.Why Al Ahli Madani coach blames loss to Tusker to Nairobi altitudeWith the top two teams in the qualifying group set to secure automatic qualification, Burundi will be keen to collect maximum points from their opening assignments and establish themselves among the early contenders.Nduwimana will now link up with a squad that includes a blend of experienced internationals and players plying their trade across Europe, Africa and beyond.Among the notable names are OGC Nice midfielder Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Sheffield Wednesday’s Jordi Liongala, Vancouver FC forward Mohamed Amissi, Frederic Nsabiyumva of Swedish side Västerås SK and Clauss Niyukuri of Norway’s Sarpsborg 08.Tusker to face Tanzanian outfit in final round of CAF Confederation Cup qualifiersOther members of the squad include MC Alger’s Mossi Nduwumwe, Zbrojovka Brno forward Bienvenue Kanakimana, Panevezys midfielder Parfait Bizoza and Al-Ahli’s Jean Girumugisha.Nduwimana will be hoping to translate his strong start at KCB into international recognition on the pitch as Burundi prepare for two crucial qualifiers.Burundi squadGoalkeepersDaniel Hakizimana — Vision FC, BurundiJean Marie Harelimana — Aigle Noir, BurundiJonathan Nahimana — Gicumbi FC, RwandaOnesime Rukundo — Police FC, RwandaDefendersFrederic Nsabiyumva — Västerås SK, SwedenDjuma Nzeyimana — Aigle Noir FC, BurundiDerick Mukombozi — Fountain Gate, TanzaniaMoussa Omar — Gorilla FC, RwandaChris Nduwangira — PSS Sleman, IndonesiaAkbar Muderi — Rayon Sport, RwandaClauss Niyukuri — Sarpsborg 08, NorwayKevin Icoyitungiye — Aigle Noir FC, BurundiIsmael Nshimirimana — Police FC, RwandaEmmanuel Swedi — Nordic United FC, SwedenHenry Msanga — Al-Taawoun SC, LibyaMidfieldersKarin Mawenimana — CD Costa do Sol, MozambiqueEldhino Mokono — Rayon Sport, RwandaParfait Bizoza — Panevezys, LithuaniaLeonard Gakwaya — Police FC, RwandaGael Biginimana — Dungannon, Northern IrelandYoussouf Ndayishimiye — OGC Nice, FranceJC Girumugisha — Al-Ahli, LibyaFranck Nduwimana — KCB FC, KenyaMossi Nduwumwe — MC Alger, AlgeriaAsman Ndikumana — Police FC, RwandaForwardsBienvenue Kanakimana — Zbrojovka Brno, Czech RepublicJordi Liongala — Sheffield Wednesday, EnglandCedric Amissi — Inter Star, BurundiCaleb Bimenyimana — Club not indicatedAbdallah Sudi — Araz-Nakhchivan, AzerbaijanRomeo Mabanza — KSC Lokeren, BelgiumSaido Ntibazonkiza — Vital’O FC, BurundiMohamed Amissi — Vancouver FC, Canada