Former Pirates and Zimbabwe striker Tendai Ndoro dies at 40

Former Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwean international striker Tendai Ndoro has died at the age of 40 after a long battle with illness.

Ndoro’s football career was cut short by a long battle with diabetes. In recent years, his health declined significantly, with reports of temporary blindness and other serious complications.

Despite undergoing treatment, his battle with illness ultimately came to an end. According to several reports,  Ndoro was found dead at his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday.

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ndoro rose to prominence with Chicken Inn FC before moving to South Africa to join Mpumalanga Black Aces. His career reached its peak at Pirates in 2015, where he became a fan favourite with his clinical finishing and charismatic presence. He scored crucial goals for the Buccaneers and was a strong contender for the Golden Boot award in the 2016/17 season, scoring 12 goals.

Following his successful stint in Soweto, Ndoro’s career took him to Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly, before he returned to South Africa to play for Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park, his last club in 2022 before illness forced him to stop playing. He also represented the Zimbabwe national team, the Warriors, earning nine caps and participating in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

His career, which included a total of 112 appearances in the top flight, inspired many young footballers. Ndoro’s legacy is that of a resilient and immensely talented striker who could change a game in an instant.

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