Ugandan international and defensive midfielder Ibrahim Thembo has turned down a new contract offer from local league runners-up NEC FC, further fueling speculation about his reported interest from Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC and South African outfit Durban City FC, Footy-Africa has exclusively learned.
The player’s contract with NEC FC will expire on June 30. However, the midfielder declined a sign-on fee of €4,000 (approximately 14 million Ugandan shillings) that came with a proposed three-year contract extension.
A source at his representing agency, Prosper Sports Agency, exclusively confirmed to Footy-Africa that the player will not renew his NEC contract and that they are exploring available options during the transfer window.
“Ibrahim (Thembo) will not stay at NEC—it’s already decided. The plan is to secure a better deal, preferably a professional stint abroad. Reports of Durban City and Vipers? We’ll wait and see in the coming weeks, but it all depends on where the right project comes from. Let’s stay patient,” the source told Footy-Africa.
Thembo was one of last season’s standout midfielders in Uganda, playing 24 games across the league and the Uganda Cup. While he scored just twice, it was his work rate, defensive coverage, and ability to shield the backline that stood out. Over the past two seasons, he has made 52 appearances in all competitions.
Internationally, the midfielder has earned two caps with the Uganda Cranes and was part of the squad summoned by manager Paul Joseph Put for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year, before the tournament was rescheduled to August.
