Zimbabwean striker Tendai Ndoro has died after being found dead in his Sandton flat on Monday, his former club has confirmed.
The 40-year-old had been struggling with health issues for an extended period.
Orlando Pirates, where Ndoro played between 2015 and 2017, were among the first to pay their respects.
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"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro," the Soweto-based club stated. "The club extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
Tendai Ndoro has been found dead at home at the age of 40
|GETTY
The news has reverberated throughout football communities in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Ndoro had endured significant medical challenges, including a long-standing battle with diabetes.
His condition deteriorated recently when he was admitted to hospital in Durban after a tumour developed beneath his arm.
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Orlando Pirates Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker, Tendai Ndoro (2015–2017).
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 18, 2025
The club extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/hJQzjWgxe5
The striker, known affectionately as "Fire", enjoyed a distinguished career in South African football.
During his time in the Betway Premiership in South Africa, he featured in 112 matches, finding the net 36 times whilst providing 12 assists.
His most successful campaign came in 2016-17 when he scored 12 league goals for Orlando Pirates.
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He narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot that season, finishing just behind Cape Town City's Lebogang Manyama who managed 13 strikes.
Ndoro represented Zimbabwe eight times at international level, including participation in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
He netted twice for his country, with a memorable strike coming against Tunisia during the tournament.
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The 40-year-old had been suffering with health issues
|GETTY
His professional journey began at Chicken Inn in Zimbabwe's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from 2011 to 2013.
His performances there attracted attention from South African clubs, leading to a move to Mpumalanga Black Aces, where he scored 14 goals.
Following successful spells at Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park, Ndoro also played abroad for Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia, Nico United in Botswana, and concluded his career at Al-Orouba in Oman in 2020.
Highlanders Football Club paid tribute to Ndoro, stating he had "elevated the national game" and extending their "deepest condolences to the Ndoro family, friends, and the entire Zimbabwean football community for this tragic loss."
The Premier Soccer League, the top division of South African football, also honoured his memory, noting that his performances had brought pleasure to supporters and that his impact on football would be forever remembered in Zimbabwe's sporting heritage.
Supporters shared their own memories online, with one recalling: "I will never forget his screamer against Kaizer Chiefs."
Recent reports had suggested Eswatini First Division club Stumbo XI were interested in bringing Ndoro in as a mentor for their younger players, though these plans were never realised.