The Zambia international Enock Mwepu, who plays for Brighton, has been forced to end his playing career due to a hereditary heart condition. Last July, Enock joined Brighton for around £20m from Red Bull Salzburg.
Enock was taken ill while on a flight to join his national side during the international break, and he was admitted to a hospital for four days in Mali. After some days, he returned to Brighton for further tests on his health condition.
After the test, Brighton released a statement where they said that the tests concluded that Enock’s illness was due to a hereditary cardiac condition. It manifests later in life and was not previously evident on regular cardiac screening.
Moreover, in the statement, it is said that sadly this could be exacerbated by playing the sport, so Enock has been advised that the only option is for him to stop playing football. It is for the sake of his safety, in the statement, it is said.
After this advice from doctors, Enock wrote a message on Twitter where he said a boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi had news to share. Moreover, said he stood strong to follow his dreams of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God, he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.
He said some dreams, however, have an end, so it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots because of the medical advice I received. Moreover, he said this is not the end of my involvement in football, and I intend to stay involved to some degree.
Enock also thanked his supporters and family through his tweet. He said I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me on my football trip including my family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambian FA, all my past teammates, coaches, and especially everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Tony Bloom, Brighton’s chairman, said we are all devastated for Enock. He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks, and while we are thankful he has come through that period, Tony said. Moreover, Tony said he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age.
Tony said 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.
Roberto De Zerbi, head coach, said I am so sorry for Enock. Moreover, he said before I arrived he was a player I was, so looking forward to working with him, and we would do everything we could to help him.
