Brighton Appoint Mwepu As Academy Coach After Enforced Retirement

Mwepu will handle Brighton's u-9's side at the start of 2023.

Mwepu was adviced by medical experts to quit football back in October after a heart issue was discovered while on international duty with Zambia.

At just 24 years of age, Mwepu's condition was described as heriditary and his risk of developing a cardiac arrest was high if he continued playing.

Mwepu played in all six of Brighton's opening Premier League games this season.

He joined Brighton from Red Bull Salzburg last summer and made 18 appearances in the Premier League, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “We’re really happy that Enock has decided to remain here at our club and use his experience to help develop our young players.

“Considering his age, Enock has a wealth of experience. He has played in the Champions League and Premier League, as well as captaining his country. This is the next chapter for Enock in his footballing career.”

Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber added: “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.

“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.”

Mwepu made 23 appearances for the Zambia national team and scored six goals.