Brighton hire Enock Mwepu as Under-9s coach after star was forced to retire aged 24 with heart condition two months ago

ENOCK MWEPU has been welcomed back by Brighton despite his shock retirement earlier this year.

The Zambian was forced to retire in October following the discovery of a potentially fatal hereditary heart condition.

However, Brighton have now welcomed the 24-year-old back into the fold in the role of an academy coach.

A statement from the Seagulls read: "We are delighted to announce that Enock Mwepu will take up the role of under-9s coach in our academy, in the New Year."

Mwepu had played 27 times for Brighton, including six Premier League games this season, prior to his retirement.

He was rushed to hospital during the final international break before the World Cup.

Medical tests then uncovered his condition, and doctors advised that playing on would pose a risk of him suffering a cardiac arrest, prompting his premature retirement.

At the time Mwepu wrote: "A boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share.

"He stood strong to follow his dreams of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God he lived 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.

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"This is however not the end of my involvement with football, I plan to stay involved in some capacity."

And the midfielder has kept this promise to stay involved in football.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who led Brighton to a 3-1 win over Southampton on their Prem return, said: "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."

Mwepu joined Brighton in 2021 from RB Salzburg.

Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber added: "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."

Brighton will be in action next against league leaders Arsenal on New Year's Eve.