Ndoro Pleased To Be Back At Aces
Although Tendai Ndoro was signed at the beginning
of last season, he only joined Black Aces in January this year after experiencing
delays with getting his work permit. In his 17 appearances for Aces, the 26
year-old former Chicken-Inn FC forward netted seven goals. He reveals how the
PSL is different to the Zimbabwean league.
Personal Information
Full name: Tendai Ndoro
Date of birth: 15 May 1988
Place of birth: Luwewe, Zimbabwe
Position: Striker
Jersey no: 7
Club: Mpumalanga Black Aces
Previous Clubs: Railstars F, Kujana FC, Bantu Rovers, Chicken-inn FC(all Zimbabwe), Nico UTD (Botswana)
Honours: 2013/14 Charity cup winner with Chicken-Inn, Zimbabwe Premier soccer league, 12 caps Zimbabwe national team
Tell us about your first season in the PSL with Aces.
It was a pleasure for me to play in the PSL for a
club like Mpumalanga Black Aces. It was also time for a change in environment
and I`m glad so far.
You were signed at the beginning of last season,
but were loaned out to Chicken-Inn FC for the first half of the season. The
long wait for your paperwork to be processed must have been frustrating.
Yes, it was frustrating because all I wanted was
to play football and I couldn`t as I didn`t get the work permit on time. I had
to go back home to get game-time and remain sharp and fit. I didn`t look down
or see that as a step back. I told myself that my time would come.
Tell us about the support you received from your
teammates at Chicken-Inn.
They helped me and ensured I was not disappointed.
They helped by keeping me focused which played a huge role during my loan
spell.
Many see Clive Barker as one of the best coaches
in the PSL. How did you find working with him?
Yes,I agree. Clive is a great coach and players
want to play for his team. He brings out the best in every player he works
with. He`s a good leader and willing to work with your strengths and help
improve your weaknesses. We know as players that we need to do everything to
make him happy because he has faith in his players.
Despite only joining in January, you came close
to challenging Bernard Parker as the PSL`s top goalscorer. How were you able to
settle down so quickly at Aces?
There are experienced players at Aces. They have
played for a number of clubs for many seasons in the PSL, and some have played overseas.
That made it easier for me to settle down. These guys played a pivotal role in
welcoming me to the club. Guys like Method Mwanjali and Ernergy Murambandoro
were very close to me. They pushed me and I can`t forget the technical team, as
they helped too. They told me they were happy with my input and I was happy
too. I believe when you are in a wonderful environment, anything is possible.
Barker praised you for your pace and your ability
to hit the ball well. Given your performances so far, could we possibly see you
clinching the PSL top goalscorer award next season?
Yes, football is proud and anything is possible.
I only have to play for the team, though, and forget about individual glory. To
be honest, that is possible because I plan to keep working hard and building on
last season`s foundation.
We have seen many players starting their PSL
careers on a high, only to flop the following season. How do you plan to avoid
this happening?
I need to keep calm, keep my focus and work extra
hard. I must not let praise get to my head because I will become big-headed and
that will damage everything. I need to be a good listener and take criticism
because you become better when taking advice from others.
We saw your countrymen Knowledge Musona and
Nyasha Mushekwi returning to Africa from their European clubs. It would appear
that the Zimbabwean’s are battling to make a name for themselves overseas.
I can`t say much because I don`t know what
happened in Europe. Musona went there and he learned what was needed, so I
can`t comment on him. I would like to him to succeed in Europe. With Mushekwi,
I can`t tell you either. Both of them are good players, but football is complicated
so you can`t really tell whether they failed or not.
In what way would you say the PSL is different to
the Zimbabwean league?
The South African league is better than the
Zimbabwean league. The PSL in terms of facilities is tops. Facilities are world
class here compared to the Zimbabwean league, however there are good players in
there who can compete in the PSL. The only issue in the PSL is the rule that
there must a number of foreigners in a particular club.
Okay, would you prefer a move to a big PSL club
or an overseas team at this stage of your career?
Every player would like to play in Europe. I’d
like to play there too and I believe if it`s the right time, then it will
happen. If an opportunity comes, I will grab it.
Fire, thank you man, all the best for this season.
Thank you.