Nico provided Ndoro's launching pad into stardom
Mqondisi Dube | Friday August 22, 2025 15:13
Not much could be read from Ndoro's gangly structure when he arrived in Botswana to begin a short but productive spell in 2009. But as soon as the whistle was blown, opposition defenders found out that they had an enormous task on their hands as the Zimbabwean spearheaded Nico United's attack with aplomb. Teams had thought they would take a breather after Nico had let go of one of the local game's deadly strikers, Master Masitara who had been signed by Mozambican outfit, ... midway through the previous season. But Ndoro ensured that Nico's strike force remained relevant and as potent after arriving without much reputation, but when he left in 2011, Gaborone sides, in particularly Gaborone United were scrambling for his signature. Ndoro was not a stylish number nine, but struck with chilling precision such that in his second season, he reached double figures as he finished as runner-up in the Golden Boot race. Despite playing for a modest side deprived of big names, Ndoro kept Nico in the hunt with a swashbuckling spell as he found the back of the net ... times.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs' Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping, who in comparison, was surrounded by a glut of stars and unending supply, finished as the top-goalscorer with ... goals. Whilst Moatlhaping took the honours, it was Ndoro who gained the plaudits, triggering a rush for his signature. But Ndoro turned down local advances and chose to return to his homeland where he linked up with Bulawayo-based Chicken Inn. His lethal boot continued to torment defenders and he found the back of the net with regular ease, in the process, alerting clubs in the cash-rich South African Premiership. Within a season, Ndoro was on a flight to join Mpumalanga Black Aces in South Africa, where again he proved his worth playing for a mid-table team. One of Africa's glamour clubs, Orlando Pirates did not hesitate as it came knocking for his services. It proved to be Ndoro's big break and he mesmerised in a Pirates shirt, earning glowing approval. From Pirates, he joined Saudi Arabia side, ... before he returned to South Africa in a controversial switch to Ajax Cape Town. He also played for Highlands Park as an illustrious career wound down. Whilst Ndoro rose to prominence at Pirates due to the stature of the club and the publicity around South Africa's Premier Soccer League, his spell at Nico had an undoubted impact on his launch to stardom. It might have been an under the radar spell, less talked about even in his death, but the Selebi-Phikwe side will go down in history as a club that made a critical contribution to the player's embryonic football stage. The 40-year-old Ndoro was this week found dead in his Sandton apartment in South Africa, sending the football world into mourning.
Nico United was amongst former clubs that paid tributes to the fallen star. 'It is with great sadness that we learn of the announcement of the passing of our former player, the legendary Tendai Ndoro. During his time with Nico United Sporting Club, Tendai left an indelible mark on our team and the hearts of our fans. His exceptional talent, skill, and goal-scoring prowess made him a fan favourite, and he remains one of the most iconic players to have donned the Nico United jersey,' the club said in a statement. 'Tendai's legacy extends beyond his impressive performances on the pitch. He inspired a generation of footballers and fans alike with his passion, dedication, and love for the beautiful game. His memory will live on in our hearts, and we will always cherish the moments he created for us. On behalf of Nico United Sporting Club, we extend our deepest condolences to Tendai's family, friends, and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all. May the legacy of Tendai Ndoro live on in our hearts and in the beautiful game we all love,' the club further stated.