FORMER Warriors and Chicken Inn striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro, whose death last Monday at the age of 40 shocked the football fraternity, was laid to rest yesterday at West Park Cemetery in Bulawayo.
Ndoro, a celebrated striker whose career saw him play for South African giants Orlando Pirates, passed away from complications related to diabetes.
Hundreds of mourners, including family, friends, former teammates, coaches and fans, gathered at his funeral service held at the Bulawayo Amphitheater before a procession, which passed through Bulawayo’s iconic Barbourfields Stadium, escorted his body to its final resting place.
Speakers at the funeral service remembered Ndoro not only for his electrifying skills on the field, but also for his warm spirit and generous heart.
Zifa Southern Region chairman Lloyd Munhanga urged young players to take their careers seriously, citing Ndoro as a prime example of someone who achieved great success through football.
“It’s very possible to move from the streets and go very far with football,“ he said.
“Tendai travelled the whole wide world... Tendai also earned a lot through football, so our players should take this sport seriously.”
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Chicken Inn secretary Tavengwa Hara highlighted Ndoro’s significant impact on the club.
“When Tendai came, he helped us win the NetOne Cup [in 2012],” Hara recalled. “He was one of the highest export earners for Chicken Inn. Mpumalanga Black Aces came with a lot of money for Tendai.”
He noted that Ndoro’s move was so successful that he went on to become the top goalscorer in his inaugural season in South Africa.
Highlanders legend Madinda Ndlovu paid his respects on behalf of his brothers, Peter and the late Adam Ndlovu, the latter of whom coached Ndoro at Chicken Inn.
“This is a very big loss for us,” he stated, encouraging aspiring footballers to be inspired by Ndoro’s journey.
Beyond the accolades, those who knew him best remembered Ndoro for his character.
Felix Chindungwe, who captained Ndoro at Chicken Inn, described him as a person who “just wanted everyone to be happy, always cracking jokes.”
Chindungwe shared how Ndoro was a great motivator and would often host his teammates for food and drinks “from his own pocket”.
Herbert Dick, representing the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe, shared a lighter moment, jokingly crediting Ndoro for his retirement after the striker’s dazzling dribbling skills proved too much for him to handle.
McCloud Moyo, a devoted fan of Chicken Inn, summed up the collective grief.
“Tendai ‘Fire’ Ndoro was my friend, a brother to me. We have lost a great person. He was a hero, an inspiration to the youth,” Moyo said, visibly heartbroken.
Ndoro’s football career was a testament to his talent and determination.
After making a name for himself in Bulawayo’s lower divisions, he joined Chicken Inn in 2011.
His success there led to a move to South Africa’s Mpumalanga Black Aces, followed by a high-profile transfer to Orlando Pirates in 2015.
His journey also took him to Ajax Cape Town, and later to the Middle East, where he played for Al-Faisaly of Saudi Arabia and Al-Orouba of Oman.
Among those who attended the burial were Chicken Inn players, including coach Joey Antipas, goalkeepers coach Energy Murambadoro, and manager Sikhumbuzo Banda.
Also present were local football legends and officials from Zifa.
Ndoro’s twin brother, Takudzwa, himself a former goalkeeper for Bulawayo City, was also introduced to the crowd at the Amphitheater, a solemn reminder of the family’s shared legacy in the sport.
Ndoro will be remembered not just for the goals he scored, but for the light he brought to the game and the lives of those he touched.
May his soul rest in peace.
