The Nketa community in Bulawayo is set to celebrate one of its most iconic sporting figures, the late Tendai “Fire” Ndoro, through a memorial football tournament scheduled for 21 and 22 December 2025. Ndoro, a former striker for Zimbabwe Warriors, Orlando Pirates, and Chicken Inn, is remembered not only for his skill on the pitch but also for his inspirational presence and contributions to the game both nationally and internationally.
Organisers of the tournament explained that the event aims to honour Ndoro’s life, celebrate his achievements, and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. “Against this background, beginning this year, the Nketa community will be running an annual tournament in his honour,” said Kuda Mupatsi, the tournament’s organising secretary. “The main purpose is to celebrate his life and legacy, with the hope that through this initiative, talented players without recognition can be identified and groomed by professional teams.”
The memorial tournament is seen as a dual-purpose event. While it commemorates Ndoro’s immense contributions to football, it also serves as a platform for emerging talent in the community. Organisers are hopeful that scouts and professional clubs will attend the matches, providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities and potentially advance their careers.
“The late Tendai Ndoro was more than just a footballer; he was a source of inspiration for many in Nketa and beyond,” Mupatsi added. “Through this tournament, we want to ensure that his impact on the game is remembered and that his passion continues to influence aspiring footballers.”
Ntando Dube, the tournament manager, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the community’s excitement and commitment to making the inaugural event a success. He revealed that between 12 and 16 teams are expected to participate over the two-day festival of football. “We are thrilled to be hosting this tournament and hope it will become a permanent fixture on the local sporting calendar,” Dube said.
The Nketa community has long been known for producing talented footballers, and the tournament is part of a broader effort to nurture homegrown talent. By bringing together local teams and providing a competitive environment, organisers aim to create pathways for young players who might otherwise go unnoticed. This initiative is expected to strengthen grassroots football in Bulawayo, ensuring that the city continues to contribute skilled players to the national and regional leagues.
Nketa Community to Honour Late Tendai “Fire” Ndoro with Memorial Tournament
In addition to football, the tournament is envisioned as a community-building event. Families, friends, and football enthusiasts from across Nketa and surrounding areas are invited to attend, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates both sport and local heritage. Food stalls, entertainment, and activities for children are expected to complement the matches, turning the event into a holistic celebration of Ndoro’s legacy.
“Beyond the football, this tournament is about unity, community pride, and giving back,” Dube explained. “Tendai Ndoro’s career was a source of pride for Nketa, and we want to keep that pride alive while also providing opportunities for young people to dream big.”
The memorial tournament also reflects the growing trend of communities taking initiative to honour their sports heroes. In recent years, grassroots tournaments have become a popular way to pay tribute to past legends while simultaneously investing in the development of future talent. Nketa’s initiative aligns with this philosophy, ensuring that Ndoro’s influence extends beyond his playing years.
Organisers are hopeful that the event will attract attention from local media, sponsors, and football academies, providing additional support for both the tournament and participating players. The long-term vision includes making the memorial tournament an annual highlight, with expanded participation, professional coaching sessions, and talent scouting opportunities integrated into the program.
As the countdown begins to the first edition of the Tendai “Fire” Ndoro Memorial Tournament, excitement within the Nketa community continues to build. Residents are looking forward to two days of competitive football, celebration, and remembrance, with a shared commitment to honouring a figure who left an indelible mark on Zimbabwean football.
With the tournament, the Nketa community not only commemorates a local legend but also invests in the future of the game, fostering talent, promoting community engagement, and ensuring that Tendai Ndoro’s legacy remains alive for generations to come.
Source- Herald
