Orlando Pirates have led heartfelt tributes for their former striker, Tendai Ndoro, who passed away on Monday at the age of 40 following a long battle with illness.

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In a statement, the Soweto giants expressed their sorrow:
“Orlando Pirates are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro (2015–2017). The club extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

A Shocking Loss

Ndoro, affectionately known as Fire, was reportedly found dead at his Sandton apartment. The Zimbabwean international had been living with diabetes for several years and was recently hospitalised in Durban after developing a tumour under his armpit. Despite medical care, his health continued to decline until his untimely passing.

His death has sent ripples across the football community in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, where fans, teammates, and coaches remember him as one of the most lethal strikers of his generation.

Rise to Stardom

Ndoro’s professional journey began in Zimbabwe with Chicken Inn in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League between 2011 and 2013. His eye for goal soon caught the attention of South African clubs, leading to his move to Mpumalanga Black Aces.

It was at Orlando Pirates, however, where he reached the peak of his career. Between 2015 and 2017, Ndoro became a fan favourite at the Soweto giants, dazzling supporters with his sharp instincts and powerful finishing. His standout campaign came in the 2016/17 season, when he scored 12 league goals, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot to Lebogang Manyama of Cape Town City.

Tendai Ndoro Career Highlights

In total, Ndoro made 112 appearances in the Betway Premiership, netting 36 goals and registering 12 assists. Beyond Pirates, he also turned out for Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park, where he last featured in the top flight between 2018 and 2020.

Internationally, Ndoro represented Zimbabwe nine times and was part of the Warriors squad at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. His career also took him beyond Southern Africa, with stints at Nico United in Botswana and Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia.

Life After Football

Even after stepping away from professional football, Ndoro’s passion for the game never faded. Earlier this month, he was linked with a move to Eswatini First Division side Stumbo XI, where he was expected to take up a mentorship role for young players. Sadly, those discussions were cut short by his passing.

Ndoro will be remembered as a forward who played with flair, hunger, and determination. His nickname Fire was fitting, as his career burned bright and left lasting memories for fans across the continent.

His passing marks a devastating loss for the football fraternity, but his legacy as a goal scorer and entertainer will live on in the hearts of those who watched him play.