Tendai Ndoro: Tragic Cause of Death of Former African Footballer and Orlando Pirates Star Emerges
- Former Zimbabwe international Tendai Ndoro has died at the age of 40 in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndoro’s cause of death has been linked to long-term complications from diabetes, a disease he had battled since 2021
- Tributes have poured in from former clubs, CAF, and the wider African football community honouring his legacy
The football world has been left in mourning following the tragic death of former Zimbabwe international and Orlando Pirates striker, Tendai Ndoro.
The 40-year-old was found lifeless at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
Ndoro rose to fame as a clinical finisher, representing Zimbabwe on 14 occasions between 2013 and 2017, during which he scored five goals.
At club level, his most notable highlights came at Orlando Pirates, where he became a fan favourite by scoring 25 goals in 48 league matches between 2015 and 2017, Daily Mail reports.
He also played for Ajax Cape Town, Highlands Park, Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia, and Al-Orouba in Oman, leaving behind a strong legacy in African and international football.
Ndoro’s cause of death emerges
It has now been revealed that Ndoro’s cause of death was linked to diabetes, a disease he had been battling since 2021.
Source: Getty Images
His struggles with the illness forced him into early retirement from professional football in 2020 after complications with his eyesight.
Despite stepping away from the game, Ndoro’s health continued to deteriorate in the years that followed.
Diabetes had not only robbed him of his career but ultimately led to his tragic passing at such a young age.
The former Orlando Pirates star had spoken openly in the past about his health struggles. Sadly, the condition proved fatal for the 40-year-old.
Medical experts have often highlighted how diabetes, if left unmanaged, can result in severe complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and even early death
Tributes from across the football world
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes poured in from Ndoro’s former clubs, teammates, and the African football community.
Orlando Pirates described him as a “prolific striker who gave his all for the badge,” while Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park also expressed condolences to his family.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, sent heartfelt condolences to Ndoro’s family, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), and the entire Zimbabwean football fraternity, CAF online reports.
Motsepe emphasised that Ndoro’s contributions to the sport would be remembered and cherished.
For many fans, Ndoro’s memory will not only live on through his goals and performances but also through the resilience he showed in his personal battles.
His death has created a void in African football, but his legacy as a determined, passionate, and talented forward will never be forgotten.
Another African footballer passes at 39
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that African football legend Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39.
The former Metz of France striker reportedly faced turbulent times in his last days, having lost his older sister barely three weeks before his passing. Further reports have it that he struggled with his marital life, as one of his houses was also engulfed in fire recently.
Source: Legit.ng
