Tendai Ndoro, the celebrated former Zimbabwean international striker, has tragically passed away at the age of 40. Ndoro was found dead in his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by close sources, and the announcement quickly spread throughout the football community, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans, former teammates, and clubs who remember him not only for his talent but also for his passion on the field.
Timeline of Tendai Ndoro’s Life and Career
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15 May 1985: Tendai Passion Ndoro was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
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2009: Ndoro began his professional career playing for Nico United in Botswana.
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2011: He signed for Chicken Inn in Zimbabwe, where he became prominent.
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2013: Ndoro moved to South African club Black Aces, initially on loan back to Chicken Inn for the remainder of the season.
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2014-2015: Officially joined Black Aces and made 41 appearances, scoring 14 goals.
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2015: Transferred to Orlando Pirates, a top club in South Africa, where he became a fan favorite.
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2017: Played for three clubs in one season (Orlando Pirates, Al Faisaly in Saudi Arabia, and Ajax Cape Town), leading to sanctions against Ajax Cape Town.
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2017-2018: Brief stint with Al Faisaly in Saudi Arabia before returning to South Africa with Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park.
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27 December 2019: Signed for Al-Orouba in Oman, but the club went bankrupt in 2020, effectively ending his playing career.
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2020: Retired due to health issues, including eyesight problems linked to diabetes.
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2021: Ndoro was battling diabetes, which severely impacted his health.
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May 2025: Hospitalized in Durban for surgery to remove an armpit tumor.
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18 August 2025: Ndoro was found dead in his home in Johannesburg.
Tendai Ndoro’s career was marked by his clinical finishing and charismatic presence on the pitch. He was affectionately known as ‘Fire’ and earned respect for his contributions to clubs in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, as well as representing the Zimbabwe national team from 2013 to 2017, including appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Though his later years were marred by health struggles and financial difficulties, his legacy in football remains strong. Ndoro inspired many young footballers across Zimbabwe and South Africa with his talent and resilience.
