South African giants Orlando Pirates mourn passing of former striker Tendai Ndoro

South African giants Orlando Pirates have expressed sadness after learning about the passing of their former striker Tendai Ndoro.

The Zimbabwean football fraternity and the entire African continent are in a state of mourning following the passing of Ndoro after failing to overcome a long-term illness.

Ndoro had been struggling with his health issues. In recent years, he suffered from serious complications, including reports of temporary blindness and a rapid decline in physical condition, which alarmed the football community.

Despite undergoing treatment and receiving positive reports about his recovery after surgery earlier this year, Ndoro’s battle, unfortunately, has come to an end.

“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” wrote the club on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ndoro left an indelible mark not only in his native Zimbabwe but all across the Africa continent, featuring for a hosts of clubs particularly in South Africa.

The late Zimbabwean attacker, affectionately nicknamed “Fire” during his playing days, dazzled stadiums across South Africa and beyond with his clinical finishing and magnetic presence on the pitch. He passed away at age 40.

Ndoro was born on May 15, 1985, in Zimbabwe. His first professional club was Nico United. From 2015 to 2017 he played for Orlando Pirates, scoring 23 goals and providing 7 assists during his time with the team.

He last featured for a South African lower-tier club Highlands Park in 2020.

For the Zimbabwe national team, the former Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates attacker made just nine appearances without scoring a goal.