There won’t be any more warm ovations for Enock Mwepu like the one he received at the Amex Stadium last month.
Graham Potter replaced the Zambian midfielder in the six minute mark of his home debut of the season. It was a stunning 5-2 victory over LeicesterMwepu kicked the last ball.
Potter’s subsequent departure to ChelseaIt was a surprise. It’s been put into perspective by the shock and the sadness of Mwepu being forced to retire at the age of 24 with a hereditary heart condition.
Potter received the bad news from his old club on Monday morning. He shared the devastation that had gripped players and staff.
“Really terrible,” said Potter. “But thankfully it isn’t as terrible as it could have been. I believe he has been blessed in every way. That is something we’re really thankful for. It’s hard to believe that I am 24 and not able to play football. I tried calling him today. He is a wonderful person. He will succeed in whatever he does. But it’s a shame we won’t see him on the pitch.”
Mwepu’s plight had been deliberately kept from the Brighton squad in the build-up to Saturday night’s 1-0 home defeat by Tottenham.
The news has hit restaurant staff at Brighton’s training complex in Lancing particularly hard.
