Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FAMILY, friends and fans are still gathering at the Nketa 8 home of the late Tendai “Fire” Ndoro, the former Warriors, Chicken Inn and Orlando Pirates striker, who died in South Africa on Monday at the age of 40.
Ndoro’s father, Silas Mukundwa, confirmed the player would be laid to rest in Zimbabwe.
“We are still making contact with those who are in South Africa. Tendai, our son, will be buried here at home,” he said.
He added: “Some family members and fans are still on their way. It has been a devastating situation but we are happy with the support we have been getting.”
A shaken Seviria Chikomo, Ndoro’s aunt, said the family was struggling to accept the tragedy.
“This has been our son, a boy who did well with his twin brother (Takudzwa) in the football circles. At first, we thought it was a joke but they went on to shine. I remember being at the National Sports Stadium in the VIP section watching Tendai play for the senior national team,” she recalled.
“We will always remember this boy of great talent. May his Soul Rest in Peace.”
Ndoro is survived by three children; Laizah (12), Christiano (7) and Mukundi (3). His parents described him as soft spoken and peace loving, a man whose sudden death has left them broken.
The former Warriors striker, who also played for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Ajax Cape Town, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly, was found dead in his Sandton apartment. His mother, Christina Mukundwa, urged those who once shared the pitch with him to come together in remembrance.
“I invite all who played with Tendai to come and celebrate his life as someone who they played football with. There are many things that Tendai did for us as a family and we can’t mention all, but God knows what he did for us and he has taken him back,” she said.
Shaking his head, his father added: “Tendai was soft spoken, he loved singing, he loved being at peace with everything. As a family, we are waiting to hear more about what happened to Tendai. As his parents we are devastated that he died and we have lost a son and it is painful to accept. We want to thank all those who were playing with him and his friends.”
Mourners continue to gather at the family home, number 1976 Nketa 8. In South Africa, former CAPS United and Warriors midfielder Edelbert Dinha was among the first ex-players to visit Ndoro’s Sandton apartment, alongside Zororo-Phumulani Funeral Company representatives.
Ndoro’s football journey began at Chicken Inn, where his sharp finishing earned him a move to South Africa.
He quickly rose to become one of the most feared strikers in the DStv Premiership, a rise that saw him wear the Warriors jersey at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Former Warriors and Highlanders coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu, who mentored Ndoro from his early years, said he was heartbroken.
“My heart is bleeding. I saw you grow, I nurtured you from being a boy to a very big boy among other boys. You became a man and a parent. You ran your race, Tendai. You left a legacy, a great player you were, played at the highest level and represented your country with pride. Rest in power,” said Mpofu.
Chicken Inn, his launchpad, also paid tribute.
“Our first import and export. We got him from Nico in Botswana. He came and added fire to our team. Forever a Gamecock. We are deeply saddened by his passing on as Chicken Inn FC. His light will forever shine in our hearts. Liqhawe Lethu. Rest Easy Fire,” said club spokesperson, Nkululeko Nkala.
Arguably the best center forward striker for Zimbabwe since 2000. Only but corruption and nepotism prevented him from truly representing his country. Mediocre strikers were preferred ahead of him. Best performance for me was in a friendly against Ghana when preparing for the AFCON finals. He came in as a sub and scored where the highly rated had failed. Thought he would be given a starting place but never, was only introduced as a sub in one or two games and scored against Tunisia. He seemed more alert, quicker sharper and could easily create chances for himself. All this did not matter because bigger names went before him and once again Zimbabwe failed to produce goals or advance to the second round of the finals. I do not think they won a game that year. Rest in Peace! Another star gone home!