Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A two-day football tournament is set to take place in honour of the late Tendai “Fire” Ndoro, the former Warriors and Chicken Inn striker who passed away tragically in August.
The memorial event will be held on 21 and 22 December in Nketa suburb and surrounding areas, where Ndoro’s legacy remains strong.
Ndoro, affectionately known as “Fire” for his sharp finishing, was a beloved figure in the local football scene. At just 40 years old, his untimely death in his Johannesburg apartment shocked fans across the country.
A diabetic, his passing has left a void that this tournament aims to fill, not only in remembrance but in celebration of his life and achievements.
Organising the memorial, Kudakwashe “Matshada” Mupatsi shared the significance of the event: “This is all about remembering Tendai Ndoro. He was a big name in our community, especially in Nketa. We want to honour him through a tournament that will bring together 16 teams.”
Football legends such as Peter Ndlovu, Zenzo Moyo, and Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda are expected to lend their support, adding weight to the occasion. The tournament will feature local clubs, including Nketa 9 FC, Funda Ukulinda, Eastern Strikers, Brotherhood, and several others from the area.
The matches will kick off across four venues, including Nketa Hall, Nketa 6, Nketa 9 and Emganwini grounds, where teams will battle for a spot in the final. The semi-finals and the championship match will be held at Nketa Hall.
“We invite everyone to join us and support the tournament. Even competitive local football players are welcome to play for their chosen clubs,” Mupatsi added.
During his career, Ndoro represented Zimbabwe 14 times between 2013 and 2017, scoring five goals. At club level, he enjoyed great success at Orlando Pirates, where he earned fan favourite status with 25 goals in 48 league matches from 2015 to 2017. This tournament is more than a contest; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a player whose impact was felt both on and off the field.
