Zambia and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to end his playing career following the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition, the club announced on Monday.
Mwepu fell ill while on a flight to join up with Zambia during the international break and after a period in hospital in Mali he returned to Brighton to undergo further cardiac tests and ongoing care.
The condition, which can worsen over time, would put Enock at an extremely high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event, if he were to continue playing competitive football.
MWEUP HEARTBREAK
“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock,” said club chairman Tony Bloom.
“He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just thankful he has come through that period, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age
“As a club we will give him all the love, help and support we possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has also sent a message of support to the 24-year-old.
“I am so sorry for Enock. Before I arrived I looked at all the squad, and he was a player I was so excited and looking forward to working with. We will do everything we can to help him.”
Official statement from Enock Mwepu
“A boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share.
He stood strong to follow his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.
Some dreams, however, come to an end so it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots because of the medical advice I have received.
“This is, however, not the end of my involvement with football. I plan to stay involved in some capacity.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supported me in my football journey, including my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambian FA, all my previous clubs, team-mates and coaches and especially everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion.”
What the Medical team say
“It is a terrible blow for Enock, but he has to put his health and his family first and this is the right choice, however difficult it is to quit the game he loves,” head of medicine and performance, Adam Brett explained.
“These tests have concluded that his illness is due to a hereditary cardiac condition, which manifests later in life and was not previously evident on regular cardiac screening.
“Sadly this can be exacerbated by playing sport so Enock has been advised that the only option, for the sake of his own safety, is for him to stop playing football.
“Of course, given this is Enock’s career and a decision which can’t be taken lightly we have taken our time to be as thorough as possible, completed advanced cardiac investigations
“And collaborated with clinical experts to gain the best second opinions for Enock,” Adam continued.
“We will be helping him make sure the condition is managed with the appropriate treatment for him to otherwise live a long and healthy life.”
Mwepu joined Brighton from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021. He has played for clubs such as NAPSA Stars, Kafue Celtic as well as FC Liefering.
