Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FIFA and ZIFA yesterday joined the global football family in mourning former Warriors international Tendai Ndoro with the world governing body’s president Gianni Infantino indicating that the ex-Orlando Pirates man’s playing exploits will be long cherished.
Infantino expressed his condolences through a message to ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi.
“Dear President . . . I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player, Tendai Ndoro,’’ wrote Infantino.
“Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss. During his international career, Tendai Ndoro was regularly capped by Zimbabwe and notably participated in the 2017 CAF African Cup of Nations.
“At club level, he defended the colours of Chicken Inn FC in his home country, as well as several South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates FC.
“He also played in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Legend of Zimbabwe football, known for his talent and resilience, inspiration for many young footballers, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his personality, his leadership, his popularity and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.
“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Zimbabwe Football Association, and to Tendai Ndoro’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time,’’ Infantino said.
On the home front Magwizi led his association in mourning the death of Ndoro, describing the former Buccaneers and Warriors striker as a beacon of hope for young players, who aspired to play the professional game.
Magwizi expressed ZIFA’s condolences to the Ndoro family over the loss of the forward while also paying tribute to funeral assurance company Zororo-Phumulani for chipping in to assist in the repatriation of the ex-Zimbabwe international’s body.
“Tendai Ndoro was more than a striker; he was a beacon of hope and inspiration to many aspiring footballers,’’ Magwizi said.
“His passion, skill and determination made him a true Warrior, and his legacy in our game will endure. “On behalf of ZIFA, the executive committee and the entire football fraternity, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
“May they find comfort in knowing that Tendai’s name will forever be honoured in the history of our football,’’ said Magwizi via a statement issued by ZIFA.
“As the football family mourns this loss, ZIFA stands in solidarity with the Ndoro family during this difficult time and will continue to offer its support. The Association also extends heartfelt appreciation to Zimbabwean football legends based in South Africa who have walked alongside the family during this painful period, as well as to Zororo-Phumulani for the assistance they have rendered.
“Their compassion is a reflection of the unity and strength that football brings,’’ added ZIFA.
Hadebe devastated
US based Zimbabwean defender Teenage Hadebe’s club FC Cincinnatti might be dominating in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, but the Bulawayo-born player cannot enjoy this development as he is mourning the death of a “great football brother.”
Hadebe has been disturbed by the passing on of his former teammate Ndoro, who was popularly known as “Fire”.
Ndoro, who was also born in Bulawayo and played professional football in South Africa and Saudi Arabia, was found dead at his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg on Monday.
He was 40.
Hadebe also grew up in Bulawayo and played alongside Ndoro in the Zimbabwe senior team in 2017.
“I played with Fire (Ndoro) at national team level, of course I was younger than him. We would interact during camps and he was full of energy,” Hadebe told Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in the US. The 29-year-old Hadebe stars for MLS side FC Cincinnati who top the log standings with 52 points after 27 rounds of action. Hadebe started his career at Bantu Rovers before switching to Bulawayo giants Highlanders for a season-long loan in 2015. He then moved to Chicken Inn where he excelled and caught the eye of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. Hadebe spent two seasons at Chiefs between 2017 and 2019.
During his stint at Amakhosi, Hadebe played against Ndoro, who starred for Orlando Pirates in 2017 before turning out for Ajax Cape Town and later on Highlands Park. “He (Ndoro) was a great football brother, one of the best strikers to come out of Zimbabwe.
“Ndoro was a tough opponent when we both played in the South African Premiership,” said Hadebe.
Ndoro started his club career with Nico United of Botswana in 2009.
He came back to Bulawayo and played for Chicken Inn between 2011 and 2013.
At Chicken Inn Ndoro played alongside the likes of Danny “Deco” Phiri, Guide Goddard, Felix Chindungwe, Tendai “Kid” Mukambi, Thabani Goredema, Brian Mbiriri and Kudakwashe Mahachi. Ndoro won the 2013 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot after scoring 18 goals for Chicken Inn.
That performance earned him a move to South Africa where he played for Mpumalanga Black Aces before Soweto giants Orlando Pirates came swooping for the striker.
After his stint with the Buccaneers, Ndoro crossed over to the Saudi League where he turned out for Al-Faisaly and Al-Oruba.
“I am devastated by Ndoro’s death. I am still to process this sad development.
“It’s God’s way but it’s also painful to lose a loved one,” said Hadebe.
Hadebe looks set to be part of the Warriors squad that will face Benin and Rwanda in 2026 World Cup qualifiers early next month. Zimbabwe will face Benin in Cote d’Ivoire on September 5, before hosting Rwanda at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, four days later.
