Remembering Tendai ‘Fire’ Ndoro: Five defining moments of a Buccaneering star

Tendai Ndoro, the Zimbabwean striker whose speed and finishing lit up South African football, has tragically passed away at 40. 

Known as Fire, Ndoro starred for Orlando Pirates, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Highlands Park, and other clubs. 

Here are five defining moments and qualities that captured his career and the legacy he leaves behind.

Extra-time heroics against Mamelodi Sundowns

In the 2016 Nedbank Cup, Ndoro scored his fifth goal of the tournament and provided an assist as Orlando Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 after extra time at Lucas Moripe Stadium. 

The Buccaneers had played much of the match with 10 men following Edwin Gyimah’s dismissal, and Ndoro’s finishing and calm under pressure earned him hero status, propelling Pirates into the semi-finals and further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.

His one and only AFCON goal

Ndoro scored for Zimbabwe in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, netting one of two goals in a 4-2 defeat to Tunisia. 

While the Warriors ultimately lost, the strike highlighted Ndoro’s ability to perform on the continental stage. 

His contribution reminded fans and pundits alike of his natural attacking instincts and finishing ability, providing a glimpse of his talent beyond South African club football and into the international arena.

Hat-trick hero

In the 2016/17 Absa Premiership, Ndoro delivered the season’s first hat-trick to inspire Orlando Pirates to a 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium. 

Quiet in the first half, he erupted after the break, scoring three goals in 27 minutes. 

His performance marked the first official match under coach Muhsin Ertugral and showcased the striker's knack for changing games single-handedly with speed, precision, and composure.

Soweto Derby brace

Ndoro scored a memorable brace against Kaizer Chiefs in a Nedbank Cup clash at FNB Stadium, propelling Pirates to the last 16. 

Frequently benched under coach Eric Tinkler, Ndoro proved his worth with a double that stunned thousands of Amakhosi fans. 

The striker later described the match as a turning point in his Pirates career, showing his ability to rise to big occasions and deliver when it mattered most.

Consistent goal-scoring presence in the Premiership

Ndoro amassed 36 goals and 12 assists in 112 Betway Premiership appearances for Pirates, Highlands Park, and Black Aces. 

His predatory instincts, clever movement, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat in the final third. 

Beyond statistics, his energy, resilience, and commitment on and off the ball earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike, leaving a lasting imprint on South African football.

Apart from revealing that he suffered from diabetes, Ndoro's star was also deemed when he became the centre of Ajax Cape Town's relegation from the Premiership.

In what came to be widely known as the Ndoro-gate, the player was accused of violating Fifa regulations by playing for three clubs in one season - Platinum Stars, Polokwane City and SuperSport United protested Ndoro’s eligibility.

The PSL charged Ajax with using a player who had already played for two different clubs previously in a single season.

This after Safa ruled that Ajax had illegally fielded footballer Tendai Ndoro, docking the Mother City team nine points. The footballer himself receiving a two-match suspension.

As a result the now defunct Urban Warriors lost nine points — falling from 31 to 22 — meaning that they were automatically relegated.