Since breaking onto the scene with the Zambia U-20 national team, Francisco Mwepu has had to deal with his elder brother and former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu‘s shadow.
Despite his short career, Enock, who retired from football at the age of 24 in October 2022 after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition, is one of the most successful Zambian players to ever play in Europe.
While at Red Bull Salzburg, he won four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups.
Enock also became Zambia’s youngest captain at the age of 23, with only 23 international caps. He scored six goals for the Chipolopolo Boys and was well-known for his accurate passes, which were nicknamed “Ninkumona” to mean “I have seen you.”
His accomplishments have left big shoes for his younger brother, who is on loan from La Liga’s Cadiz CF to Atlético Sanluqueño in Spain.
“We are different”- Francisco
Fans have often compared Francisco to his elder brother, but the 23-year-old striker insists that, while Enock is an inspiration to him, they are different players.
“I don’t think it [the comparisons] affects me in any way,” he told BolaNews in an interview. “Enock is my brother. I have learned a lot of things from him, and he inspires me alot.”
“For me, I don’t care about what other people think or say but we are different. I am a natural striker and he is a midfielder. His style of play is different from mine, so I don’t care what people say. I just want to play my game.”
Francisco believes his time to be a regular member of the national team will come soon, and he respects Avram Grant’s decision not to call him during the previous international break.
“I am happy with whatever the coach decides and I am always wishing the team to win. So if the coach decides to call me, it’s his choice; what matters is for me to improve my game and I am sure my time will come,” concluded the former Sturm Graz striker.
