MY ACCOUNT
Enock Mwepu has returned to Brighton and Hove Albion as an academy coach two months after the discovery of a hereditary heart condition forced him to retire aged 24.
Mwepu, who was also captain of Zambia, fell ill while on a flight to join up with his national side during an international break earlier this season, subsequently spending time in hospital in Mali.
After undergoing further tests, it was determined Mwepu’s illness was linked to a heart condition, which can worsen over time and be exacerbated by playing sport.
Mwepu outlined an intention to remain in the sport in some capacity when announcing the end of his playing career in October, and Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi said the club would do “everything we can to help him”.
As such, Brighton revealed on Friday that Mwepu will take up a coaching role with the club’s under-9s starting in 2023.
“We were very keen to help Enock with the next stage of his career, and we’re delighted he’s taken us up on the offer to join our academy coaching staff after an incredibly difficult time for him and his family following his diagnosis,” club CEO Paul Barber said.
“Whenever we recruit a new member of staff, on or off the pitch, we want them to fit with our club values and Enock absolutely encapsulates those perfectly.
“We’re thrilled Enock will continue to be part of our club, and believe Enock has a huge amount of potential as a coach. We want to give him the opportunity to flourish in this role.”
