Former Mpumalanga Black Aces co-chairman Mario Morfou has explained their decision to sell Tendai Ndoro to Orlando Pirates, despite strong interest from rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the time.
The former Zimbabwe international has sadly passed away at the age of 40, having been found dead in an apartment in Johannesburg.
READ | BREAKING: Chiefs announce big new signing in key position
Morfou was instrumental in bringing him striker to South Africa after he impressed at Chicken Inn back in his home country.
He later played for Pirates, Ajax Cape Town, and Highlands Park.
Before his move to Bucs, Aces were negotiating with Chiefs, who were also interested in the lanky marksman, who was highly sought-after back then.
"Ndoro's passing is terrible news. We are very saddened. He was a great human being, an exceptional player, and a genuinely nice man," Morfou tells KickOff.com.
"It's very sad news. We were the ones who brought him to South Africa. We had scouts who went around looking for players, and they identified him. We decided to sign him, and he performed well for us before we sold him to Pirates.
"He was interested in joining Pirates, who also wanted him. I worked with the chairman (Dr. Irvin Khoza) to finalise the deal, and he went to Pirates, where he continued to excel. At heart, he was a Buccaneer.
"Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family. We know this is sad news, but at least he left us with wonderful memories in the football community. We wish his family all the best. It’s truly heartbreaking," adds Morfou.
