Former Brighton Star Mwepu Hospitalised After Collapsing While Driving

• Former Brighton player Enock Mwepu was hospitalised earlier today in Zambia
• The midfielder was forced to retire at 24 last year due to a hereditary heart issue
• The Zambian international was offered a job as head coach of Brighton's U9 team

Former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Enock Mwepu announced his shock retirement from professional football last year due to a hereditary heart condition, after weeks of examination.

The Zambian international, nicknamed The Computer for the precision of his passes, has been a mainstay in the Albion midfield since he joined from Austrian side, RB Salzburg in 2021.

He reportedly collapsed this morning while driving in his home country of Zambia, after suffering a suspected heart attack.

What happened to Mwepu

According to an eyewitness, as reported by the Zambian Observer, Mwepu's car was seen driving erratically along the Great North Road in the Kabangwe area, which alerted those nearby to trouble.

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“He was heading out of town... He started driving zig-zag, so. Then he eventually parked, and came out of the vehicle and fell,” the source said.

Brighton released a statement via their official website, regarding the current condition of the club's former midfielder and newly appointed U9 head coach.

"''The club can provide the following update on 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 nor Enock wish to provide any further comment at this stage,'' the statement reads.

Mwepu appointed academy coach

Sports Brief earlier reported that Brighton appointed Mwepu as academy coach, after he was forced to retire due to a hereditary heart problem which was discovered after a series of checks.

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This would help the ex-Zambian international stay close to the game he loves, and help him build a future after his playing career was cut short.

He played 24 Premier League games for Brighton before he was forced to retire. He also played 23 times for the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the senior level.