Enock Mwepu: 'They thought he was lying' - Zambia manager

Reactions continue to trail the shock retirement of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition.

The 24-year-old announced his immediate retirement from playing football on Monday morning, after extensive cardiac investigations by the Brighton medical team.

Mwepu, who is a Zambian international, has seen an outpouring of love from various sports personalities as the former RB Salzburg player calls time on his involvement in the sport.

Speaking on the development, the coach of the Zambian national team George Lwandamina, detailed the reaction of some people within the national team setup when Mwepu's condition was first discovered during the last international break.

Lwandamina told BrilaFM as reported by Football Live that 'some people' believed Mwepu was being proud, due to his status as a Premier League player, when he failed to turn up national team duty.

The Zambia manager said: "Some people did not believe he had any health problems, but thought that he was feeling “big headed”, not humble enough to play for the national team being a player in the premier league."

Lwandamina further stated that Mwepu would be greatly missed in the Zambian national team setup, positing that the Brighton star's qualities cannot be replaced.

"His early retirement is a loss to the country and his individual qualities can not be replaced even if other players can fill in the role," the Zambia coach said.

“I have not been able to reach him because his phone lines have been switched off, which is understandable, probably to avoid too much publicity of the situation.”

Mwepu is yet to disclose his plans for life after retiring from football.