The football community is mourning the loss of former Zimbabwean international and ex-PSL star, Tendai Ndoro, who passed away at just 40 years old.
He was found in his Sandton apartment last week, and on Sunday, friends, family, and supporters laid him to rest in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Remembered Beyond the Game
Among those paying tribute was former Orlando Pirates coach Owen Da Gama, who had the privilege of working closely with Ndoro at Highlands Park.
Speaking about the striker’s character, Da Gama described him not only as a talented footballer but also as someone with a heart for others.
“You know, he filled a role at Highlands Park that we really needed,” Da Gama shared.
“But more than that, he was always giving.
He’d help teammates with money, buy them things, and never once expected anything in return.
That’s who he was—a giver, through and through.”
The Football Journey
Ndoro’s career saw him don the jerseys of well-known PSL clubs such as Ajax Cape Town, Highlands Park, and the iconic Orlando Pirates, where he truly made a name for himself as a dangerous striker in front of goal.
His journey even took him abroad to Saudi Arabia before eventually returning to wrap up his professional career at Highlands Park.
A Legacy That Lasts
Da Gama didn’t just highlight Ndoro’s skills on the pitch but also his influence off it.
“He wasn’t only a brilliant striker; he was a caring human being. He offered advice, support, and kindness wherever he went,” he reflected.
For Da Gama, Ndoro leaves behind more than statistics and goals—he leaves a legacy.
“He’s made his mark in football, and he’s made a footprint in Africa. At least he’s left a legacy for others to remember.”
A Final Goodbye
As Zimbabwe and the wider football community bid farewell, the story of Tendai Ndoro serves as a reminder that the impact of a player goes far beyond the goals they score.
His kindness, generosity, and love for the game are what will live on in the memories of those who knew him best.
