Former Orlando Pirates Striker Tendai Ndoro Dies At 40 After Battle With Diabetes

The football fraternity in South Africa and Zimbabwe is mourning the death of former Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town striker Tendai Ndoro. The 40-year-old was reportedly found dead at his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday.

Ndoro, who had been battling diabetes, saw his career cut short by the illness. He was recently hospitalised in Durban after being diagnosed with a tumour under his armpit. His passing is being described as a major blow to both South African and Zimbabwean football.

From Chicken Inn to PSL Stardom

Ndoro rose to prominence at Chicken Inn FC in Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League between 2011 and 2013. His striking talent earned him a move to South Africa, where he represented Mpumalanga Black Aces, Orlando Pirates, Ajax Cape Town, and Highlands Park.

Affectionately known as “Fire,” Ndoro also had international stints with Nico United in Botswana and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Faisaly FC. His last professional club was Highlands Park, where he played between 2018 and 2020 before illness forced him into early retirement.

At Orlando Pirates, Ndoro became a fan favourite. He made 112 appearances in the Betway Premiership, scoring 36 goals and registering 12 assists. In the 2016/17 season, he netted 12 league goals, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot to Lebogang Manyama, who finished with 13.

Tendai Ndoro Legacy Cut Short

On the international stage, Ndoro made nine appearances for Zimbabwe and was part of The Warriors squad that competed at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Earlier this month, reports suggested Ndoro was close to finalising a deal with Eswatini First Division side Stumbo XI, where he was expected to play a mentorship role for younger players. Sadly, those plans were cut short.

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