Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN the end, Tendai “Fire” Ndoro waved goodbye and was laid to rest at West Park Cemetery yesterday.
His was a befitting royal send-off, an emotional one in the City of Kings, Bulawayo.
Here, the former Warriors, Chicken Inn and Orlando Pirates striker will also be dearly missed by the football community, his Guta Ramwari church mates and the Nketa community where he grew up.
Ndoro was found dead at his apartment in South Africa last Monday. He is survived by three children Laizah (12), Cristiano (7) and Mukundi (3).
At his memorial service, at Bulawayo Amphitheatre, every speaker spoke glowingly about a skilled man who loved football wholeheartedly.
A free spirited guy is gone, they said.
“I called him malume (uncle). When I found him dead, it got me disturbed. I was shocked. I asked for God’s strength. God gave me strength and I accepted the development,” Ndoro’s brother-in-law Chrispen Ncube, who was the first person to find Ndoro’s body, said.
“After that I gathered strength to inform the whole family that he is gone. The family gave me the go ahead to be responsible for the funeral. I’m grateful to God that I managed to bring his body to his parents. I say rest well Tendai Ndoro and may my in-laws remain trusting me.”
Ncube is married to Ndoro’s sister, Lorraine.
“I’m in pain, I have no words to say. I’m grateful for the work that my husband did. He played a very big role, I thank you Ncube,” said Lorraine.
Deputy director in the Sports Ministry, Isaiah Mpofu, spoke on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube.
“We have lost a beacon, a legend who was an inspiration to youngsters. We celebrate his legacy. He was a football legend. Despite facing challenges, Tendai remained firm in his football and belief. Go well son of the soil.”
Ndoro played for Chicken Inn before making his move to South Africa to join Mpumalanga Black Aces and then later Orlando Pirates.
‘I’m very much pained to see this boy or man lying motionless. This is a third guy from our team after Adam Ndlovu and Rahman Gumbo,” said Gamecocks secretary general Tavengwa Hara.
“He was our first import and export. I remember going to take him from Botswana with his manager Omega Sibanda, where he was playing for Nico United.
“By then I did not know him, but he came and helped us win our first trophy NetOne Cup in 2012. After Adam Ndlovu had died, I remember he went on to do well for the team and I remember his mother (Christina) coming to our offices to sign his contract extension.”
Legend Madinda Ndlovu, who spoke on behalf of his younger brother Peter “Nsukuzonke” Ndlovu, who was one of the first people to go to Ndoro’s apartment after the news of his death, said, “On behalf of Peter Ndlovu, I will let you know that he said sorry that he could not make it. My late brother Adam coached Ndoro. I cannot say much but we have lost a great player.”
Ex-Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said, “What I’m happy about is that people spoke glowingly about Ndoro. But Zimbabwean people why are you so evil? We judged him. Someone cheated Tendai of his investments.
“. . . From the monies that Ndoro worked for, that very person who cheated him, may God bless him or her,” said Mpandare much to the applause from the mourners.
Joseph Nkomazana, who coached Ndoro during his early footballing days, recalled his natural ability.
Hebert Dick, a former Warriors defender who played with Ndoro at Chicken Inn, was also full of praise for the late striker’s football skills.
“Ndoro will make things happen. He was speedy and skilful. He made me retire. The boy was Fire. He was too fast,” said Dick.
Ndoro’s twin brother Takudzwa, a well-known goalkeeper who has had playing stints in Botswana, was emotional before later gathering courage to take to the stage.
And instead, he sang a song to pour out his heart — “ndimi makawuraya” (you are the ones who killed).
Others that attended the funeral included Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, ZIFA Southern Region chairman Lloyd Munhanga, Chicken Inn technical team members Joey Antipas, Philani Mabhena, Sikhumbuzo Banda, board member development Makhanyiso Moyo and ex-Highlanders striker Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube.
It is full-time for Ndoro, and what remains now are just memories.
dyton mupawaenda