Cape Town – Former Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwe international striker Tendai Ndoro has died at the age of 40 after a long illness.
Nicknamed “Fire,” Ndoro rose to fame with Chicken Inn in Zimbabwe before playing for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Orlando Pirates, and briefly Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia.
His standout season came in 2016/17 with Pirates, where he scored 12 league goals.
Ndoro also represented Zimbabwe 14 times and featured in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tributes have poured in from Orlando Pirates, the South African Football Players Union, and the wider football community, expressing condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro (2015–2017).
Orlando Pirates Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro (2015–2017).
The club extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/hJQzjWgxe5
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 18, 2025
“The club extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Tendai Ndoro has been battling diabetes since 2021. 💔
His struggles with the disease led to his retirement from football in 2020 due to eyesight issues.
RIP, ‘Fire 7’ 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Pm4EvziVCo
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) August 18, 2025
Tragic News of the passing of Former Zimbabwe and Orlando Pirates Player Tendai Ndoro pic.twitter.com/6SR9tjhYNN
— African (@ali_naka) August 18, 2025
Former Zimbabwean international and Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro has sadly passed away the age of 40
May his soul rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/aum6gkIIs3
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) August 18, 2025
Picture: X/@yvonnemangunda
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
