Chippa United lead race for former Marumo Gallants midfielder Ibrahim Bance

Chippa United have emerged as the early front-runners to sign Ibrahim Bance, with the former Marumo Gallants midfielder attracting interest from four Betway Premiership clubs.

Bance is currently a free agent after officially leaving Gallants when his contract expired on 30 June. The 25-year-old is now considering his next move after a strong 2025/26 campaign in which he established himself as one of the Limpopo club’s standout performers.

His form has placed him on the radar of several teams, with Chippa, Sekhukhune United, Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs all understood to be monitoring the situation.

Chippa United are believed to have shown the strongest initial interest in securing the Ivorian midfielder’s services. His availability without a transfer fee has made him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

However, sources close to the situation indicate that Chippa’s interest has not yet progressed to formal negotiations. It remains unclear whether the Eastern Cape club will make an official offer or begin talks with Bance and his representatives.

The level of interest from Chippa is regarded as serious, but the midfielder’s immediate future has yet to be decided.

Bance had already made up his mind to leave Marumo Gallants despite the club holding an option to extend his contract. His departure followed a season in which he made a strong impression and became one of the team’s most notable performers.

Sekhukhune United, Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs are also understood to have expressed interest, although none of the three clubs has tabled an official offer at this stage.

The involvement of Kaizer Chiefs adds further competition for Bance’s signature, while Sekhukhune United and Richards Bay are also assessing whether to pursue a deal. For now, all four Betway Premiership clubs remain at the stage of monitoring the midfielder rather than formally negotiating a transfer.

Bance is understood to remain open to suitable opportunities outside South Africa. An overseas move is still a possibility, but the likelihood of him continuing in the South African top flight appears to be increasing.

The midfielder will now weigh up the options available to him before deciding where the next chapter of his career will take him. Chippa United currently appear to be best placed among the interested clubs, although the race remains open while no formal offer has been made.

Bance’s next destination is therefore yet to be confirmed, with Chippa, Sekhukhune, Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs all linked with the 25-year-old.