Police in Zimbabwe have confirmed the conviction of former Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards forward Brian Abbas Amidu to 12 years in prison.
Amidu was last year, nabbed by Zimbabwean detectives near the city of Kwekwe in the Midlands province, while in possession of dagga with an estimated street value of R1.2 million [USD 75,000].
The 35-year-old retired forward was arrested in October 2025 along with his friend and former footballer Reuben Mhlanga, who previously played for Zimbabwean giants Dynamos FC.
Amidu and Mhlanga have been convicted in a wider crackdown on drug syndicates operating across several provinces in their home country of Zimbabwe.
ZIMBABWE POLICE CONFIRMS AMIDU’S SENTENCING
In a statement released on Wednesday, Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Paul Nyathi announced that the duo have each been slapped with a massive 12-year jail term.
“The police also confirms the conviction and sentencing of two former soccer players, Tumai Matsika, also known as Abbas Amidu, and Reuben Kudzai Mhlanga, for dealing in dangerous drugs [dagga],” reads the statement.
“The two appeared in court on 24 February 2026 for sentencing and were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
“The ZRP applauds members of the public for their continued cooperation and support in the fight against crime, saying community involvement remains critical in combating drug-related offences. The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that crime does not pay.”
Amidu joined Chiefs on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January 2012 after impressing at Zimbabawean outfit Black Mambas FC. At Black Mambas, he scored 12 goals in the 2011 season before being lured for trials and then signing for Amakhosi.
Sadly, his time at Chiefs was cut short due to injuries. He was then shipped out to Leopards just six months later, after failing to make an official appearance for the Soweto giants. At Lidoda Duvha, he featured in over 20 games, scoring four goals and recording two assists.
The Zimbabwean forward went on to have stints in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt after his time in the PSL. Amidu is one of the talented Ziimbabweans that was signed by Amakhosi. The list also includes the legendary Tinashe Nengomasha, Willard Katsande and Knowledge Musona.
He came through Harare-based Aces Youth Academy, a breeding ground for Zimbabwean talent that also produced Musona, Khama Billiat, and Mitchell Katsvairo.
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