The footballing world is in shock following the sentencing of former Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards striker, Abbas “Brian” Amidu. Once a promising talent in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Amidu now faces a lengthy stint behind bars after a massive drug bust in Zimbabwe.
Amidu, along with former Dynamos player Reuben Mhlanga, was apprehended by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in October 2025. The duo was found in possession of 750kg of cannabis, with a street value estimated at approximately R1.2 million.
The Verdict: Is 12 Years Fair?
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the court delivered a heavy blow. Both Amidu and Mhlanga were handed 12-year jail sentences.
The severity of the sentence has sparked debate among fans. While some argue that 12 years is a “hefty” price for a non-violent drug offense, others point to the sheer volume of the haul—nearly a ton of illegal substances—as justification for the court’s “zero tolerance” approach.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi praised the public’s role in the arrest, sternly noting that “crime does not pay.”
Shifting Focus: The Soweto Derby
While the news of Amidu casts a shadow over the weekend, South African football fans are bracing for the biggest fixture on the calendar. Kaizer Chiefs take on Orlando Pirates in a high-stakes Soweto Derby.
Match Day Guide:
- Date: Saturday, February 28
- Time: 15:30 CAT
- Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (Channel 202) and SABC 1
