Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire from active football aged 24 following diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition Sportsration reports.
Mwepu SportsRation understands was diagnosed with the ailment which could deteriorate and cause a fatal cardiac event, if he continues playing competitive football.
The Zambian Midfielder who is currently on the books of English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion officially called time on his playing career today, Monday October 10, 2022.
The Midfielder announced his decision via a tweet on his verified Twitter handle @EnockMwepu45 on Monday morning .
The statement read ‘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 achieved 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 and Hove Albion.’ He concluded.
Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed news of the Midfielders retirement in a message on their official website, the club stating the trauma and devastating mode news of Enock’s retirement brings.
Club chairman Tony Bloom said, “We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. 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.” Bloom concluded.
Enock Mwepu joined Brighton during the Graham Potter era but was one player new manager Roberto De Zerbi looked forward to working with but that will not happen with his untimely retirement.
A dissapointed Roberto De Zerbi said “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.”
Explaining the condition, Brighton’s Head of Medicine and Performance, Adam Brett said, “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, ”
” Enock was taken 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.
” 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.”
Adam continued, “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.
“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.’’ Adam concluded.
