THE Zimbabwean and South African football communities are in mourning following the tragic death of former Warriors striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro, who was reportedly found dead at his apartment in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday.
He was 40 years old.
The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but Ndoro had been battling diabetes since 2020, a condition that led to his retirement from professional football in 2021 due to deteriorating eyesight.
The news of his passing comes months after he underwent successful surgery in May to remove an armpit tumour.
According to former Warriors midfielder Edelbert Dinha, who was among the first to arrive at Ndoro’s residence, the striker may have passed away up to three days before his body was discovered.
Dinha and former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu visited the apartment after learning of the news.
The announcement of Ndoro’s death unleashed a flood of tributes from former clubs, teammates, television personalities and fans across the continent.
South African giants Orlando Pirates, where Ndoro played for two years from 2015, released a statement expressing their grief.
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“Orlando Pirates Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro,” the club wrote.
“The club extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Bulawayo-based Chicken Inn FC, which Ndoro helped win the domestic premier league title in 2015, also paid their respects.
“RIP Fire. He came and fired us up, saw and conquered. From all of us at Chicken Inn FC lala ngokuthula qhawe (rest in peace hero). Once a GameCock, always a GameCock. Your light will forever shine in our hearts. Rest easy.”
The Zimbabwe Football Association, the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe and the Premier Soccer League all joined in mourning, as did local clubs, including Highlanders, Scottland, FC Platinum, Simba Bhora and Bikita Minerals.
Former teammates shared their sorrow on social media.
“RIP goal machine. Till we meet again. Thanks for the good memories in the football industry,” wrote Willard Katsande.
Godknows Murwira simply posted, “Rest Easy Fire 7,” while SuperSport sports anchor Thomas Mlambo wrote “Rest easy champ.”
Ndoro’s professional career began at Nico United in Botswana in 2009.
Two years later, he returned to Zimbabwe to join Chicken Inn, where he rose to prominence.
His impressive form with the Bulawayo side caught the attention of South African clubs, leading to a move to Mpumalanga Black Aces.
His career truly took off when he signed with Orlando Pirates in 2015, where he enjoyed two successful seasons before moving to Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia in 2017.
He would later return to South Africa for spells with Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park before a final stint with Al-Orouba in Oman brought his career to a close.
He was part of the Warriors squad that participated at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals, scoring a goal in the 4-2 defeat to Tunisia.
In total, Fire made 14 international appearances, scoring five goals for Zimbabwe.
In 2022, Ndoro’s divorce from his ex-wife Thando Maseko sparked online rumours that he had lost his home, cars and fortune due to assets being registered in her name.
However, in November 2024 interviews, Ndoro denied these claims, stating that it was an amicable split with a mutual division of assets.
Funeral arrangements remain unknown at this time, but mourners have gathered at the family home in Bulawayo’s Nketa 8 suburb.
