Brooklyn Mwadime Kazungu's football journey, which began in the English youth system, has taken another significant step after the Milton Keynes Dons forward was named in Anthony 'Modo' Kimani's provisional Kenya U-23 squad for the upcoming 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 17-year-old, born in Milton Keynes, England, is among the foreign-based players selected by Kimani as the Emerging Stars prepare to face Tanzania in a two-legged first-round qualifier.For Kazungu, the call-up presents an opportunity to connect his Kenyan heritage with the football education he has received in England from an early age.His journey has taken him through several youth setups, including the academies of Leicester City and Exeter City, before spells with Arlesey Town and, eventually, MK Dons, where his development has brought him closer to senior football.South Sudan Premier League's influence on young players faces acid test against Kenya U20From Leicester City academy to Exeter CityBorn on September 21, 2008, in Milton Keynes, Kazungu began developing his football in England and quickly found himself within an environment designed to nurture young talent.One of his earliest major steps came with Leicester City, where he entered the club's academy system.His time at Leicester provided Kazungu with an introduction to the demands of academy football in England and laid the foundation for the next stage of his development.He subsequently moved to Exeter City, where he continued his progression and featured for the club's Under-18 side.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962115##The Grecian Archive records Kazungu's involvement in Exeter City's Under-18 fixture against Forest Green Rovers in February 2024, giving an indication of his pathway through the English youth structure.His time at Exeter offered another experience within a professional academy environment before he moved into another phase of his development.During the 2024/25 season, Kazungu featured in youth football with Arlesey Town, continuing to gain experience and exposure before making his way to MK Dons.Progression at MK DonsKazungu's career eventually brought him back to his birthplace, with the youngster joining Milton Keynes Dons.Abud, Mette on how Tusker's CAF CC qualification will benefit Harambee Stars at 2027 AFCONThe move has proved another important stage in his development as he continues to make the transition from youth football towards the senior game.His progress has earned him opportunities around the MK Dons first-team environment, giving him a taste of senior football and the demands that come with competing at a higher level.One of his notable opportunities came during pre-season in July 2026 when he featured for MK Dons against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.For a player still at the beginning of his senior career, the experience provided an opportunity to test himself against top-level opposition and gain valuable exposure to the senior game.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962300##His development at MK Dons has now been followed by recognition at international level.Kenya U-23 call-upKazungu was included in Anthony Kimani's 42-man provisional Kenya U-23 squad as the Emerging Stars begin their pursuit of a place at the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations.Kenya's opening challenge will come against neighbouring Tanzania in a two-legged first-round qualifier.The first leg is scheduled for Monday, 28 September, at Nyayo National Stadium, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, 6 October, in Tanzania.Why Harambee Stars striker is not overly excited despite scoring debut goal for English clubThe winner over the two legs will progress to the next stage of the qualification process, where Côte d'Ivoire awaits.The qualification campaign forms part of the road to the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The tournament will also serve as Africa's qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.For Kazungu, however, the immediate objective is to impress Kimani during the provisional-squad stage and earn a place in the final team that will face Tanzania.A different route into Kenyan footballKazungu's inclusion offers an interesting dimension to Kimani's squad.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962008##While a number of the players have developed through Kenya's domestic football system and previous national youth teams, Kazungu's football education has largely taken place in England.His pathway through Leicester City, Exeter City, Arlesey Town and MK Dons has exposed him to different levels of the English game.His Kenyan heritage now provides the bridge between that development and the possibility of representing Kenya at international level.The call-up also underlines the continued search for Kenyan-eligible talent developing outside the country and the effort to bring such players into the national-team structure.Kariobangi Sharks latest graduate reveals two lessons learnt after senior team promotionKazungu is not the only foreign-based player included in Kimani's provisional squad.Celta Vigo midfielder Aldrine Kibet, Cadiz midfielder Jack Onganya, ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Caleb Kramer, Rosengard midfielder Humphrey Aroko, Enköpings SK duo Andreas Odhiambo and Paul Osama, Lleida midfielder Irad Mshindi, Power Dynamos forward Emmanuel Osoro and Mufulira Wanderers attacker Henry Omollo are among the other players based abroad.The provisional squad also features several players who have previously represented Kenya at youth level, including members of the country's recent U-20 Africa Cup of Nations squad.Tanzania provides first test##NAJAVA_MECA_9962023##Kazungu's immediate task will be to fight for a place in Kimani's final squad before turning his attention to the Tanzania challenge.The two-legged tie presents a demanding opening assignment for the Emerging Stars, with Kenya needing to negotiate both matches to progress to the next round.For Kimani, Kazungu offers another attacking option, particularly given his experience developing within the English football system.At just 18, the MK Dons forward remains at an early stage of his career, but his inclusion in the U-23 setup represents a significant milestone.11 foreign-based players axed from Harambee Stars' final squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiersFrom Leicester City's academy to Exeter City, Arlesey Town and MK Dons, Kazungu's development has been shaped by the English game.He now has the opportunity to begin another chapter in his football journey — this time in Kenyan colours.Should he make the final squad and feature against Tanzania, it would represent the start of his international career with Kenya and potentially open the door to a longer journey with the national teams.For a youngster who was born and raised in England, the next stage of his football story could therefore be written thousands of kilometres away from Milton Keynes — on the international stage with Kenya's Emerging Stars.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962435##KENYA U-23 PROVISIONAL SQUADGoalkeepers1. Caleb Kramer — ADO Den Haag, Netherlands2. Mateo Buyu — Providence College, USA3. Collins Omondi — Kariobangi Sharks4. Kevin Oduor — Kenya Police5. Ibrahim Wanzala — Kakamega HomeboyzDefenders6. Shariff Majabe — TRA7. Bryton Onyona — Gor Mahia8. Amatton Samunya — KCB9. Jackson Imbiakha — Unattached10. Robinson Musungu — AFC Leopards11. Brian Nyongesa — AFC Leopards12. Collins Ochieng — Tusker13. Miguel Osotsi — Kibera Soccer14. Paul Ochuoga — Gor Mahia15. Tony Musa — Murang'a SEAL16. Denzel Omollo — APS Bomet17. Humphrey Obina — Shabana18. Wycliff Omondi — Nairobi UnitedMidfielders19. Aldrine Kibet — Celta Vigo, Spain20. Kevin Wangaya — Nairobi United21. Kelly Madada — AFC Leopards22. Humphrey Aroko — Rosengard, Sweden23. Andreas Odhiambo — Enköpings SK, Sweden24. Irad Mshindi — Lleida, Spain25. Jack Onganya — Cadiz, Spain26. Ateek Omar — Mathare United27. Oliver Machaka — Kenya Police28. Isaac Omweri — Mathare United29. Faiz Opande — Kariobangi SharksForwards30. Brooklyn Kazungu — MK Dons, England31. Lawrence Okoth — Bandari32. Sigmunn Maina — Shabana33. Paul Osama — Enköpings SK, Sweden34. Francis Memusi Siololo — Migori Youth35. Paul Okoth — Gor Mahia36. Collins Okello — Unattached37. Dan Omalla — Nairobi United38. Elly Owande — Migori Youth39. Emmanuel Osoro — Power Dynamos, Zambia40. Thomas Omolle — Kakamega Homeboyz41. Adrian Oloo — Ulinzi Stars42. Henry Omollo — Mufulira Wanderers, Zambia