“Farewell to a Legend: Tendai Ndoro Buried in His Hometown Bulawayo”

The remains of former Warriors, Chicken Inn amd Orlando Prirates striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro arrived from South Africa on Saturday ahead of his burial in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Ndoro’s family, friends, and the wider football fraternity gathered to mourn him at his family home in Nketa 8, Bulawayo.

Among those present at the funeral wake is Ndoro’s twin brother, Takudzwa, who joins scores of mourners from all walks of life paying their respects.

This morning, a hearse carrying Ndoro’s body departs from the family residence for a funeral procession to the Bulawayo Amphitheatre, where a memorial service was taking place.

After the service, Ndoro was laid to rest at West Park Cemetery.

The international football community continues to mourn the former Orlando Pirates and Warriors forward, remembering him for his exploits on the pitch and the mark he leaves in the game.

Ndoro, remembered fondly by the football community in South Africa and Zimbabwe, played for Orlando Pirates between 2015 and 2017, leaving a lasting mark on the club and its supporters.

He also played for teams including Chicken Inn, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Ajax Cape Town, Highlands Park and Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia.

His sudden passing has left the Mzansi football fraternity in mourning.

His memorial and funeral service was a heartfelt tribute to a man described by many as humble, respectful and deeply devoted to his family.

Programme director and cousin Willington Patsika shared touching words about Ndoro’s character:

“I’m closely related to Tendai. There’s a 10-year age gap between us. I always knew him as a respectful person. He never once called me by name. He was so humble. As a brother, it’s hard to stand here today, but for him, I will do it.”

The family also addressed the negative speculation surrounding Ndoro’s later years, particularly on social media.

“All those things said online are not true,” one speaker said.

“Tendai provided for our family. He was our breadwinner.”

His sister Lorraine Ndoro Mncube acknowledged his personal struggles but emphasised his efforts to make amends.

“Tendai made mistakes. Who are we to judge? He fixed them the best way he could, and only God can judge him. When things weren’t going well for him, he called me. I came running because I knew he had helped me before. When I arrived, he was in a bad state,” she recalled.

Lorraine also expressed frustration over people wearing her brother’s jersey while the family had none of his memorabilia.

“It’s so sad that our brother is gone at such a young age,” she said.

Ndoro’s cousin Frank Madhomu reflected on their early years together in Zimbabwe.

“We grew up together. He was always a respectful person, and his love for football was clear from a young age. His father was also a footballer. It ran in the family.”

Tendai “Fire” Ndoro will be remembered not only for his powerful presence on the pitch but also for his love for family, his humility and the inspiration he gave to many aspiring footballers in Southern Africa.

His friend Francis Mahlaba spoke about how they grew up and how talented he was.

He said the last time he spoke to him was last month and they were talking about starting a business.

His other friend Melissa Laung said Tendai loved to praise the Lord and enjoyed concerts.

She said she was a radio presenter and she met him in the industry.

“I used to call him celebrity. He was a loving man. I remember when my mum had cancer, he would come and visit my mum until she passed away.

“He wasn’t there when my mum was buried, but when he returned, he said we must meet at Tashas and he was there for me as a brother. He used to call me and check up on me,” she said.

She said she feels like she wasn’t a good friend.

“I last spoke to him last week and we were talking about the game next week. I feel so bad because I last spoke to him last week,” she said.

His daughter Laiza Ndoro paid tribute to her dad.

“I really love my father. We loved taking photos together. My father was a person who loved people. He would always tell me that I must learn to love and share,” she said.