September 2025 – What You Missed on Cape Sun News

September was packed with drama, from the football pitch to the boardroom. If you skimmed past the headlines, here’s a quick run‑through of the most talked‑about stories that shaped the month.

Top Sports Stories

Football fans couldn’t stop talking about Pep Guardiola’s praise for Manchester City’s Gaza solidarity. The coach called the club’s effort “beyond extraordinary,” sparking a fresh debate on how football can help humanitarian causes.

On the other side of the world, Mohamed Salah opened up about tension with former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane. He said the friction was real but insisted he wasn’t selfish, pointing to his 18 assists as proof.

Rugby’s United Rugby Championship kicked off with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers all battling new coaches and injury worries. Handré Pollard’s return for the Bulls and a tough Lions tour set the tone for a tight top‑four race.

In the cricket arena, South Africa’s women took a 1‑0 lead over Pakistan in Lahore, winning the first ODI by eight wickets. The series will double as a World Cup warm‑up, and both captains are juggling experience with fresh talent.

American tennis saw Novak Djokovic break the hard‑court Grand Slam record at the US Open, despite a back scare. At 38, his 192nd win pushed him past Federer, but he admitted the injury worry is now his biggest concern.

Business, Tech and World Highlights

NESGAS broke ground on a $200 million LPG depot in Onne, Rivers State, with backing from Minister Ekporikpe Ekpo. The project promises cheaper fuel, less deforestation and a big boost for local storage capacity.

In tech, Xiaomi went head‑to‑head with Apple, rolling out the Xiaomi 15 at about 30 % less than the iPhone 16 while touting 100W fast charging and higher benchmark scores. Analysts see it as a clear challenge to Apple’s ecosystem lock‑in.

Banking news from Nigeria featured a 50‑basis‑point cut by the Central Bank, aimed at easing credit for SMEs and households. The move reflects rising confidence, but its real impact will depend on how banks manage loan pricing and exchange‑rate risks.

AEW Dynamite delivered three title defenses and a shocking heel turn by Kris Statlander, setting up fresh feuds ahead of WrestleDream. The show also saw a surprise announcement from Tony Khan about upcoming changes.

Later in the month, Luis Suárez received a three‑game MLS suspension after a heated incident in the Leagues Cup final. The ban adds to a six‑game suspension for future Leagues Cup matches, reminding fans that on‑field talent and off‑field conduct go hand in hand.

Whether you follow sports, tech, or global business, September offered a mix of excitement and controversy. revisit any of these stories on Cape Sun News to get the full details, expert analysis, and what’s likely to happen next.

NESGAS launches $200m LPG depot in Onde, backed by Minister Ekpo 30 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 2 Comments

NESGAS launches $200m LPG depot in Onde, backed by Minister Ekpo

NESGAS breaks ground on a $200 million 50,000‑tonne LPG depot in Onne, Rivers State, with Minister Ekpo’s backing, aiming to boost storage, cut prices and cut deforestation.

Guardiola hails Manchester City’s ‘beyond extraordinary’ Gaza solidarity 28 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 8 Comments

Guardiola hails Manchester City’s ‘beyond extraordinary’ Gaza solidarity

During his honorary doctorate ceremony, Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City’s support for Gaza children, calling it 'beyond extraordinary.' The Manchester boss linked the club’s aid work to a broader call for compassion, highlighting recent donations and community projects. His remarks sparked renewed debate on football’s role in humanitarian crises.

Mohamed Salah reveals tension with ex‑Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, but says he wasn't selfish 27 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 1 Comments

Mohamed Salah reveals tension with ex‑Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, but says he wasn't selfish

Salah admits there was genuine friction with Sadio Mane during their five years at Anfield, but stresses they stayed professional and that his 18 assists prove he wasn’t selfish. The pair helped shape one of the Premier League’s most lethal front‑threes, winning the league and several cups. Mane left for Bayern and later Al Nassr, while Salah remains a Liverpool icon.

URC 2025-26 South African Teams Preview: Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers Ready for Battle 27 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 2 Comments

URC 2025-26 South African Teams Preview: Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers Ready for Battle

The 2025-26 United Rugby Championship kicks off with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers each dealing with new coaches, injury scares and squad rotation. Handré Pollard returns to the Bulls, the Lions start with a tough tour, the Sharks juggle Springbok call‑ups and the Stormers host Leinster while missing key players. All four sides must adapt fast as the top‑four race tightens.

Xiaomi Takes on iPhone with Faster Charging, Lower Prices and Stronger Benchmarks 27 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 7 Comments

Xiaomi Takes on iPhone with Faster Charging, Lower Prices and Stronger Benchmarks

Xiaomi is openly pitting its flagship phones against Apple’s iPhone lineup, promising sharper cameras, longer battery life and 100W fast charging at a fraction of the cost. The Xiaomi 15 undercuts the iPhone 16 by about 30% while delivering a two‑day battery. Upcoming Xiaomi 17 models claim Geekbench scores that beat the iPhone 17 Pro, plus new features like a Magic Back Screen. Analysts see this as a direct China‑US tech clash, with Xiaomi betting on hardware value over ecosystem lock‑in.

AEW Dynamite Delivers Triple Title Defenses and Shock Turns Ahead of WrestleDream 26 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 1 Comments

AEW Dynamite Delivers Triple Title Defenses and Shock Turns Ahead of WrestleDream

On September 24, 2025, AEW Dynamite in Pittsburgh showcased three world title defenses, all ending in victories for the champions. Hangman Adam Page retained the AEW World Championship against Lee Moriarty, while Brodido held onto the Tag Team belts and Kris Statlander defended the Women's title. A jaw‑dropping heel turn by Statlander and Darby Allin’s flamethrower assault on Jon Moxley set up fresh feuds for WrestleDream. Tony Khan’s surprise announcement hinted at big changes for the company.

Barcelona's Comeback Win Over Real Oviedo Highlights Flick’s Depth Test 26 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 8 Comments

Barcelona's Comeback Win Over Real Oviedo Highlights Flick’s Depth Test

In La Liga round six, Barcelona turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 victory against Real Oviedo despite a long injury list. Hansi Flick reshuffled his lineup, giving youngsters a chance and bringing on Robert Lewandowski as a game‑changer. Goals from Eric Garcia, Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo clinched the win, keeping the Catalans within two points of Real Madrid.

Nigeria interest rate cut: How the 50‑bp CBN move could reshape SME credit and household loans 26 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 18 Comments

Nigeria interest rate cut: How the 50‑bp CBN move could reshape SME credit and household loans

The Central Bank of Nigeria lowered its policy rate by 50 basis points, a bold step that analysts say reflects rising confidence in the economy. Faster GDP growth, a surge in foreign direct investment and a shift toward naira‑denominated assets set the stage. The cut promises cheaper credit for small firms and households, but its impact hinges on banks' response and exchange‑rate management.

Palmeiras Lock Up Quarter‑Final Spot in Copa Libertadores After Goalless Standoff 25 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 1 Comments

Palmeiras Lock Up Quarter‑Final Spot in Copa Libertadores After Goalless Standoff

Palmeiras moved into the Copa Libertadores quarter‑finals after a 0‑0 draw with Universitario at Allianz Parque, preserving a 4‑0 aggregate lead. The Peruvian side fought hard but couldn’t overturn the deficit. Palmeiras now await the winner of River Plate vs Libertad, while the tournament heads toward a climactic finish in Lima this November.

Lanús Edge Fluminense 1-0 in Copa Sudamericana Quarter‑final First Leg 24 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 3 Comments

Lanús Edge Fluminense 1-0 in Copa Sudamericana Quarter‑final First Leg

On September 16, 2025, Lanús clinched a 1-0 win over Fluminense at Estadio Ciudad de Lanús thanks to an 89th‑minute strike by Marcelino Moreno. The Argentine side held a slight possession edge and created more chances despite missing five starters. Fluminense’s unbeaten run in the tournament ended early, leaving them with a tough task at the Maracanã. Both teams grappled with injuries, but Lanús showed depth and resilience. The result sets up an intriguing second leg in Rio.

Ballon d'Or 2025 odds: Dembele emerges as clear favourite over Yamal 22 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 1 Comments

Ballon d'Or 2025 odds: Dembele emerges as clear favourite over Yamal

Betting markets have Ousmane Dembele at 1/3 to claim the 2025 Ballon d'Or, leaving Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal at 9/4. Dembele's PSG form, trophy haul and assist tally boost his standing. PSG players dominate the top rankings, while seasoned stars like Salah and Raphinha also feature. The award criteria weigh goals, assists, clean sheets, trophies and key moments from the 2024/25 season.

Tolu Arokodare Powers Genk’s Fight for the Belgian Title in Championship Playoffs 21 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 2 Comments

Tolu Arokodare Powers Genk’s Fight for the Belgian Title in Championship Playoffs

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has been a decisive force for KRC Genk in the Belgian Championship playoffs, netting four goals since the split and keeping the club in contention despite a dip in form. A recent winner against Gent broke a winless streak and lifted morale ahead of the final home game. Genk slipped from top spot after April defeats, now trailing Union SG and Club Brugge but still holding a slim chance. Arokodare’s season tally of 21 goals earned him the Ebony Shoe award, underscoring his impact.