Owen Da Gama, the last PSL coach to work with the late striker Tendai Ndoro has paid an emotional tribute to the former star, highlighting how he helped others in his last dance at Highlands Park FC.
The former Orlando Pirates star Ndoro died on 18 August, 2025 at the age of 40. Ndoro was found dead at his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg. He was laid to rest in Zimbabwe in his home town, Bulawayo, on Sunday.
The cause of his untimely death remains unclear, but Ndoro had been battling diabetes since 2021. Most recently, he had a successful surgery to remove an armpit tumour.
Ndoro, whose last professional club was Highlands Park FC retired from football soon after leaving the club in May 2020. He began his professional career at Nico United in Botswana before being lured back to Zimbabwe where he impressed at Chicken Inn FC between 2011 and 2013.
He went onto play for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Pirates, Ajax Cape Town, before a stint in Saudi Arabia at Al-Faisaly. And he last played for Highlands Park FC in 2020.
For Zimbabwe, he made 14 appearances between 2013 and 2017, scoring five goals in total on the international stage.
OWEN DA GAMA’S TRIBUTE TO THE LATE STRIKER TENDAI NDORO
And Owen Da Gama who was his last coach at professional level has paid tribute, saying the former Zimbabwe international was a ‘natural giver’.
“You know, he filled a role at Highlands Park that we needed, and was a very, very kind guy,” Da Gama told FARPost. “He was always giving, helping the players with money, he bought stuff for them and never expected any return. He was a giver, naturally. So he was a very, very kind guy, that’s how I remember him, but what a footballer, what a striker.
“He was a very, very good striker, I mean, he actually went and played, I think, in Saudi Arabia or somewhere. He went to play there as well, but he finished at Highlands Park.
“But he was very good, professionally but he was a very nice guy, very caring guy. And as I say, he used to help other players and advise them and so on.
“So I wish he rest in peace, you know. He’s made his mark in football, and he’s made a footprint in football in Africa. At least he’s left a legacy.”
RELATED STORY:Former Orlando Pirates star Tendai Ndoro dies