September 2025 – What We Covered This Month

Jerry Gana says Nigerians want Goodluck Jonathan back for 2027, but the presidency and PDP reject the claim, sparking a heated political debate.

SASSA unveiled October 2025 grant dates, starting 2 Oct, with a R10 increase for most pensions. Millions can now plan budgets ahead of payments.

On September 28, 2024, 22‑year‑old forward Cole Palmer became the first Premier League player to net four times before the break, sparking a 4‑2 comeback win for Chelsea over Brighton. His 19‑minute strike spree stunned fans and earned the season's top individual performance vote. The feat reshapes expectations for the young striker and boosts Chelsea’s league standing.

The July 4, 2025 PowerBall draw delivered a guaranteed R51 million jackpot, while PowerBall Plus rolled over at just under R2.3 million. Winning numbers were announced by ITHUBA and shared across social media. Players must be 18+ and are urged to gamble responsibly. Entry costs are R5 for PowerBall and an extra R2.50 for PowerBall Plus. Draws take place at 9 pm with outlets closing at 8:30 pm.

The URC’s final round sealed all eight playoff spots, setting up a May 30‑31 quarter‑final weekend. Top seed Leinster host Scarlets, while Bulls, Sharks, Glasgow Warriors and other heavyweights enjoy home advantage. Broadcasting details and team form are also highlighted.

Minister Gayton McKenzie has pulled state money from a dozen flagship festivals, putting thousands of jobs on the line. Opposition parties say the move is a political stunt that uses pandemic‑era accounting to justify the cuts. Organisers are being steered toward the opaque Mzansi Golden Economy Fund, sparking fears of patronage and a cultural backlash.

Dean of Theology Voddie Baucham says he’s been asked to run for Southern Baptist Convention president but isn’t sure he qualifies because he serves as a missionary in Zambia. The move has sparked debate among conservative Baptists about rules, leadership style and the denomination’s global reach.

In a candid France Football interview, Mohamed Salah admitted there was off‑field tension with former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, while insisting their professionalism never slipped. The pair still logged impressive assist numbers, helping the club win league and European titles. Salah remains a Liverpool goal‑machine; Mane now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia.

Osasuna host newly‑promoted Elche at Estadio El Sadar on 25 September 2025. The home side rides a six‑game winning streak while Elche comes in unbeaten from five league outings and a solid away record. Head‑to‑head data leans toward Osasuna, but recent form makes the result anyone's guess. Experts split between a home win, an upset or a draw, with betting markets favoring low‑scoring affairs. Key players Budimir and Silva could decide the outcome.

Elche host Real Oviedo at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero as both fresh faces in La Liga look to cement their top‑flight status. The hosts sit ninth and unbeaten, while the visitors fight to climb out of the relegation zone. Home form, recent results and head‑to‑head stats shape a tight preview that leans towards an Elche win, but Oviedo’s history adds intrigue.

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz survived a painful ankle scare in his Japan Open debut, receiving on‑court treatment before beating Sebastian Baez 6‑4, 6‑2. The Spanish star admitted he was frightened but continued after the medical team strapped his foot. His resilience turned a risky moment into a solid win, keeping him in the tournament.

Al Nassr fell 3-2 to Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League Elite semi‑final on 30 April 2025. A last‑minute miss by Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the upset. Despite heavy investment and dominant possession, the Saudi side couldn't break through. The loss adds another trophy‑less season for the 40‑year‑old star as Al Nassr lag behind league leaders.