Former Pirates and Zimbabwe striker Tendai Ndoro has died
Details surrounding his death remain unclear, but it is believed he was found unresponsive at his apartment in Johannesburg on Monday.
Ndoro impressed at Zimbabwean side Chicken Inn and caught the eye of Mpumalanga Black Aces in the Premier Soccer League and later moved to Pirates, Ajax CT and Highlands Park.
He retired after playing for Highlands Park in 2020 due to illness.
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The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates lead tributes to Tendai 'Fire' Ndoro
The football communities of South Africa and Zimbabwe are in mourning following the death of former Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwe Warriors striker Tendai 'Fire' Ndoro, who passed away in Johannesburg at the age of 40. Ndoro, who lit up the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with his pace, flair, and clinical finishing, died on Monday after a long battle with illness, including diabetes and a recent tumour diagnosis. Best known for his time at Orlando Pirates between 2015 and 2017, Ndoro became a fan favourite with his trademark sharp eye for goal. His standout season came in 2016/17, when he scored 12 league goals, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot to Cape Town City's Lebogang Manyama. Orlando Pirates led the flood of tributes on social media, stating: 'Orlando Pirates are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro… We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.' Nicknamed 'Fire', Ndoro was found dead at his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg. He had reportedly been hospitalised in Durban in recent weeks due to health complications. His sudden death has stunned former team-mates, fans, and clubs across the continent. Ndoro began his professional career with Chicken Inn FC in Zimbabwe's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, where his goal-scoring prowess caught the eye of scouts in South Africa. He moved to Mpumalanga Black Aces, before sealing a high-profile switch to Orlando Pirates. He later featured for Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park, finishing his PSL career with 112 appearances, 36 goals, and 12 assists. Outside South Africa, Ndoro also played for Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia and Nico United in Botswana. He earned nine caps for Zimbabwe, including representing the country at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. In a twist of fate, Ndoro was recently linked with a mentorship role at Eswatini First Division side Stumbo XI, hoping to inspire a younger generation. Talks were reportedly ongoing when he passed away. Fans have taken to social media to honour the man affectionately known as Fire, remembering his goals, humility, and passion for the sport. 'An unforeseen addition to the Angels and footballing Gods to look upon us this coming weekend! May his soul repose peacefully. Rest well, Buccaneer,' wrote one fan. Tendai Ndoro's untimely death marks the end of a life and career that touched many across southern Africa. He may be gone, but his fire on the pitch will never be forgotten. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder excites the fans
Kaizer Chiefs kicked off the season with two wins over Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City, and midfielder Thabo Cele is already feeling the energy around the squad. The 28-year-old, who spent nine years playing in Europe with clubs like Real SC, Benfica B, and Fakel Voronezh, has become a key presence in the Kaizer Chiefs midfield since joining on a free transfer. Cele, who has been linking up with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Sibongiseni Mthethwa in Amakhosi's midfield, have been bolstered by the arrivals of Siphesihle Ndlovu, Ethan Chislett and Thulani Mabaso. Rest in Peace: Orlando Pirates confirm former striker's death 'I think in every position, if you look at it, it's important to have competition, and it makes us better, if you look at our games, we have lots of games, so we need squad depth in every position,' Cele told the media. Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele playing for Amakhosi against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership Soweto derby. Image: Sowetan Orlando Pirates news: Mashiloane and Sebelebele 'In midfield you can see there's depth and competition which is healthy for the team, because we want to compete in every competition, for everything, and win games so it's important for the squad to develop that depth. 'Playing for this club, expectations are always there – and we here because we want to handle that expectations and feed people what they're expecting, which is good results, like we started. The Kaizer Chiefs jersey number 21 added: 'But obviously not everything is perfect, we're trying to improve in how we play, in how we create opportunities, in how, in previous games, we didn't concede, in how we can maintain and improve on that. 'If you look at the Stellenbosch game, they created some opportunities, we're trying to minimise teams creating those opportunities and us creating more opportunities.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
SowetanLIVE
7 hours ago
- SowetanLIVE
Former Pirates and Zimbabwe striker Tendai Ndoro has died
Former Zimbabwe, Orlando Pirates, Ajax Cape Town striker Tendai Ndoro has reportedly died at the age of 40. Details surrounding his death remain unclear, but it is believed he was found unresponsive at his apartment in Johannesburg on Monday. Ndoro impressed at Zimbabwean side Chicken Inn and caught the eye of Mpumalanga Black Aces in the Premier Soccer League and later moved to Pirates, Ajax CT and Highlands Park. He retired after playing for Highlands Park in 2020 due to illness.
