Zambian ex-international, Enock Mwepu has been appointed as the under-9s coach of Brighton and Holve Albion after being forced to retire in October due to severe heart conditions.

Mwepu will take up the role in the new year after retiring from professional football prematurely at just 24 years.

Tests showed that Mwepu has a hereditary cardiac issue which manifests itself later in life and cannot always be spotted in regular heart screening, so he had to take the difficult decision of ending his playing career

The 24-year-old was famously called “The Computer” for his excellent read of the game. He joined Brighton and Holve Albion in 2021summer transfer window from RB Salzburg and made 27 appearances, scoring three goals.

Men’s first-team head coach Roberto De Zerbi told the club’s media , “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 also told the club media, “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.”

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