Ex-Brighton Midfielder Enock Mwepu Suffers Heart Attack

Former Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu, who was forced to retire from football at the age of 25 due to heart disease, has fallen sick again.

Enock Mwepu was reported ill on Sunday and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Zambia.

Due to a hereditary heart issue, the former Zambia international bowed out from both international and club football at a very young age in October 2022.

According to reports in his native Zambia, he is believed to have had a heart attack on Sunday while driving and fell from the car after parking.

Brighton warned Mwepu would be at a “very high risk of suffering a potentially deadly cardiac episode” if he continued to play football when he announced his retirement last year.

In September, while traveling to Mali with the Zambian national team, he became ill. He was unable to train and spent four days in the hospital while on an international assignment.

After Mwepu had examinations upon his return to England, Brighton stated that the “only alternative” left open to him was retirement.

In December 2022, Brighton named Enock Mwepu under-9s coach. He started the role in January, days before he suffered a heart attack in his native country.

A statement from Brighton read: “Enock was taken unwell in Zambia and is currently undergoing precautionary checks.

“Our medical team is in communication with the hospital to assist if required.

“The club would like to thank the many well-wishers for their messages and support.”

Mwepu signed a four-year contract to transfer from Red Bull Salzburg to Brighton for a reported fee of £18 million in July 2021. He made 27 appearances for the team and scored three goals.