Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO – The body of late Zimbabwean football legend Tendai Ndoro arrived at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Saturday, as the world of football united in grief, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino leading the tributes to the former Warriors striker.
In a heartfelt condolence message addressed to ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi, the global football chief described Ndoro as a legendary figure whose impact on the game in Africa would be long remembered.
“I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player Tendai Ndoro. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss,” Infantino wrote. He further hailed Ndoro’s “talent, resilience, and inspiration to many young footballers,” noting that his “legacy, leadership and human qualities” would be remembered well beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
The somber repatriation of Ndoro’s body marks the beginning of the final journey for the prolific striker, who passed away in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday at the age of 40.
From the airport, the cortege proceeded to the Ndoro family residence at 1976 Nketa 8 in Bulawayo, where mourners have gathered to pay their respects.
Ndoro, who was capped several times for the Warriors and represented Zimbabwe at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, enjoyed a storied club career. After starring for Chicken Inn, he moved to South Africa, where he turned out for Orlando Pirates, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Ajax Cape Town, before finishing his career with spells in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Zimbabwe Football Association, and to Tendai Ndoro’s family, friends and loved ones,” Infantino’s message concluded, underscoring the global reach of the striker’s influence.
The former striker is scheduled to be laid to rest at West Park Cemetery on Sunday.
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