Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwean football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Warriors and Orlando Pirates forward Tendai Ndoro, who has died at the age of 40.
Ndoro was reportedly discovered lifeless in his South African apartment, where he had been based. While the exact cause of death is still to be confirmed, the sad news was first shared by Belgium-based ex-Warriors star Cephas Chimedza, who posted Ndoro’s photo in national team colours with the tribute: “Fire, R.I.P Chief Striker.”
The striker first made headlines in 2013 after excelling for Chicken Inn and the Warriors at the COSAFA Cup.
His performances earned him a move to Mpumalanga Black Aces in South Africa, where his scoring form later saw him secure a high-profile transfer to Orlando Pirates, winning the hearts of many fans.
Ndoro went on to feature for Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park, before taking his talents abroad with spells at Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia and Al-Orouba in Oman.
Renowned for his lethal finishing and sharp attacking play, he was widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest strikers of his era.
In later years, however, Ndoro’s health became a cause for concern. In 2021, images of him looking frail surfaced on social media, amid reports suggesting he had even lost his eyesight.
His death has left a deep void in Zimbabwean football, with tributes pouring in from across the continent as fans, teammates, and clubs remember the striker who once carried the nation’s hopes on the field.
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