Ex-Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu was admitted to a Zambian hospital on Sunday, January 15, three months after being forced to hang his football boots as a result of a hereditary heart condition.
Initial reports from Zambia claimed that he suffered a heart attack while in the process of parking his car and was rushed to a health facility.
However, his former club director Lee Kawanu told ESPN that he did not collapse but actively sought medical advice himself after feeling pain.
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Brighton, who recently gave Mwepu a coaching job, released a statement confirming that indeed he was taken ill.
“The club can provide the following update on Enock Mwepu, in response to media reports. 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.
“Neither the club nor Enock wish to provide any further comment at this stage,” the club stated.
Mwepu, commonly known as the Computer in his native home, retired on Monday, October 10, 2022, at the age of 24 after advice from the medics.
When announcing Mwepu's retirement, Brighton stated that his condition would have worsened if he continued playing competitive football.
"Enock Mwepu has been forced to end his playing career following the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.
“The condition, which can worsen over time, would put Enock at an extremely high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event if he were to continue playing competitive football,” part of the press release from the club read then.
Mwepu joined Brighton in the summer of 2021 from Red Bull Salzburg on an £18m (approximately Ksh2.4 billion) transfer deal.
The talented player amassed three goals for the high-flying Brighton side in 27 appearances. One of his goals came against the 2022/2023 league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Also Read: Zambia and Brighton Star Forced to Retire Aged 24