Mwepu takes up coaching role at Brighton

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jan 01, 2023. 12:00

Former Zambian international Enock Mwepu has taken up a coaching role at Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 25-year-old Seagulls player was sadly forced to retire from professional football in October 2022 after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

The diagnosis emerged after Mwepu fell ill while travelling to represent the Zambian senior men’s national team.

Though Mwepu will no longer be able to play the sport professionally, his involvement in the game is set to continue, with Brighton appointing him as the head coach of their Under-9s team.

“We’re really happy that Enock has decided to remain here at our club and use his experience to help develop our young players,” said first-team head coach Roberto De Zerbi, as quoted by Brighton’s website.

“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 said, “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 signed for Brighton in 2021, making 27 appearances and scoring three goals before retiring in October 2022.