Zambian star Mwepu “humbled” by FIFA’s gesture after a premature retirement

Zambian football star Enock Mwepu says he is “greatly humbled” after he received a letter, a jersey, and a World Cup ball from FIFA President following his premature retirement from football aged 24.

A thriving and promising career for the Zambian midfielder was cut short last month after the 24-year-old was forced to retire following the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.

The President of the Football Association of Zambia, Andrew Kamanga, and FIFA’s Director Member Associations of Africa Gelson Fernandes presented the 2017 U20 Afcon champion with the gifts in London with Mpewu acknowledging the gesture on social media Twitter.

An established player for English outfit Brighton Albion, Mwepu had played six games for “The Seagulls” this season before medical advice prompted the Zambian international to hang up his boots.

The Lusaka native nicknamed “Computer” for his incredible reading of the game, well-weighted passes, and eye for goal first came to prominence at the 2015 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Niger where he showed flashes of brilliance despite Zambia exiting the tournament at the first hurdle.

Two years later, at the 2017 U20 Afcon, Mwepu was part of the Zambian team that included Edward Chilufya, Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Prosper Chiluya with the “Junior Chipolopolos” going on to clinch the competition’s silverware.

Mwepu despite playing most of the tournament as a substitute and netting once was included in the team of the tournament.

Enock Mwepu went on to become a Zambian international netting six times in 23 appearances for the “Chipolopolos”.