2026-04-09T13:59:17+00:00https://cottoncandi.co.za/Lourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Safaricom will pause M-PESA services on Sept 22, 2025, for a massive Fintech 2.0 upgrade. The shift adds AI anti-fraud tools and boosts transaction capacity for 35M users.

2026-04-09T13:59:17+00:002026-04-09T13:59:17+00:00BusinessLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Spain locks in March 2026 schedule with Finalissima vs Argentina and Egypt friendly. World Cup Group H revealed: Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay. Lamine Yamal confirmed for USA/Canada/Mexico tournament.

2026-04-01T15:45:54+00:002026-04-01T15:45:54+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Fast & Furious films leave Netflix for Peacock in Feb 2025, consolidating 6 of 11 titles ahead of Fast X: Part 2 release. Some films remain on Max or VOD.

2026-03-26T08:33:09+00:002026-03-26T08:33:09+00:00EntertainmentLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Real Kashmir FC series debuts on SonyLIV, starring Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul. Inspired by true events, it chronicles the struggle to build a football team in conflict-ridden Kashmir while exploring themes of unity and hope.

2026-03-26T03:49:13+00:002026-03-26T03:49:13+00:00EntertainmentLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

FC Barcelona defeated Deportivo Guadalajara 2-0 in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on December 16, 2025, as Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford scored to advance to the last 16 under manager Hansi Flick.

2025-12-17T15:44:16+00:002025-12-17T15:44:16+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Preston North End held league leaders Coventry City to a 1-1 draw at Deepdale after a red card and own goal, reducing Coventry's Championship lead to five points and extending Preston's unbeaten run.

2025-12-10T15:40:48+00:002025-12-10T15:40:48+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal in a 5-4 thriller against Fulham, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone in just 111 appearances, surpassing Alan Shearer's record.

2025-12-03T16:02:43+00:002025-12-03T16:02:43+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

DSS Director General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi briefed President Tinubu on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, with school abductions surging and systemic failures exposing broken intelligence coordination and stalled procurement—costing over N3 billion in preventable losses.

2025-11-24T16:28:01+00:002025-11-24T16:28:01+00:00PoliticsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Fluminense stunned Inter Milan 2-0 in the Club World Cup 2025, with German Cano and Hercules scoring in Charlotte. Inter’s early exit marks the first time a Champions League finalist was eliminated this soon since the tournament expanded.

2025-11-23T15:39:04+00:002025-11-23T15:39:04+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Northern Ireland edged Luxembourg 1-0 in a tense World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park, thanks to Jamie Donley's 44th-minute penalty. The win keeps Northern Ireland's 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

2025-11-17T22:07:23+00:002025-11-17T22:07:23+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Watch Palmeiras vs Santos in the USA on Fanatiz or Box2Box Show for the 2025 Brasileirão Série A clash, with Globo holding broadcast rights. Key match on November 9 at 6:30 PM ET.

2025-11-16T16:24:26+00:002025-11-16T16:24:26+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

McDonald's Canada plans to reopen in Ottawa's ByWard Market when conditions improve, following its 2023 closure over late-night disturbances. Simultaneously, it's expanding Ronald McDonald House Charities with a carbon-neutral facility funded by franchisees, bringing campaign totals to $100 million since 1977.

2025-11-10T20:45:28+00:002025-11-10T20:45:28+00:00BusinessLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

India holds petrol and diesel prices steady for 11 months as APM gas and commercial LPG see minor cuts. Mumbai's petrol hits ₹103.50/litre, while domestic gas output falls 3.8% YoY.

2025-11-03T20:52:40+00:002025-11-03T20:52:40+00:00BusinessLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

The Kansas City Chiefs host the Washington Commanders in a critical Monday Night Football clash on October 27, 2025, with the Chiefs favored by 11.5 points as Washington battles without QB Jayden Daniels.

2025-10-28T02:37:09+00:002025-10-28T02:37:09+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Kathryn Bigelow's Netflix thriller "House of Dynamite" ends without revealing Chicago's fate, sparking debate on nuclear policy and decision‑making power.

2025-10-26T16:06:14+00:002025-10-26T16:06:14+00:00EntertainmentLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Lionel Messi's hat‑trick clinches the MLS Golden Boot as Inter Miami beats Nashville 5‑2 on Decision Day, reshaping Eastern Conference playoff seeding.

2025-10-19T17:22:33+00:002025-10-19T17:22:33+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Uruguay's Cristhian Stuadi netted a brace to beat Uzbekistan 3‑0 in the China Cup 2019 semi‑final, propelling the South Americans to the final and sparking big talks in Nanning.

2025-10-13T21:11:22+00:002025-10-13T21:11:22+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Arsenal Women start Canadian forward Olivia Smith and Australian star Caitlin Foord against Brighton at Meadow Park, a key WSL clash that could tighten the title race.

2025-10-12T18:17:54+00:002025-10-12T18:17:54+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Afghanistan faces Bangladesh in the first ODI of their 2025 series at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Rashid Khan eyes his 200th wicket while Shanto leads Bangladesh's batting, with live coverage on Fancode.

2025-10-11T20:54:58+00:002025-10-11T20:54:58+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Kaoru Mitoma is left out of Japan's October friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil due to an ankle injury, prompting debate over squad selection and future World Cup qualifying plans.

2025-10-11T00:29:14+00:002025-10-11T00:29:14+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Togo beat Sudan 1‑0 in a CAF qualifier at Lomé, with Sadik Fofana scoring early. The win lifts Togo to third place, leaving Sudan's World Cup hopes hanging.

2025-10-10T21:36:04+00:002025-10-10T21:36:04+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Cameroon beats Mauritius 2‑0 in a World Cup qualifying clash, boosting its Group D standing while Mauritius' hopes dim as the African race tightens.

2025-10-08T22:03:48+00:002025-10-08T22:03:48+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

NASA's HiRISE and ESA's orbiters race to capture the sharpest images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it flies past Mars, offering unprecedented scientific insights.

2025-10-07T18:09:01+00:002025-10-07T18:09:01+00:00World NewsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Sevilla FC stunned FC Barcelona 4-1 at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Oct 5, 2025, ending the Catalans' unbeaten start and delivering the Andalusians their first win over Barca in over a decade.

2025-10-06T17:11:18+00:002025-10-06T17:11:18+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome blames ex‑President Buhari for setting an ethnic‑favoritism template now echoed by Bola Tinubu, sparking debate on representation in Nigeria.

2025-10-05T23:57:46+00:002025-10-05T23:57:46+00:00PoliticsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Genoa's 2-0 win over Monza at Luigi Ferraris lifts them to sixth in Serie A, while Monza stays anchored at the bottom of the table.

2025-10-05T21:10:54+00:002025-10-05T21:10:54+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Ipswich Town stunned Norwich City 3-1 in the East Anglian derby at Portman Road, boosting their promotion push while Norwich faces a tough road ahead.

2025-10-05T18:43:02+00:002025-10-05T18:43:02+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Levante UD beat Real Oviedo 2-0 at Estadio Carlos Tartiere, moving to 12th in LaLiga. Goals by Carlos Álvarez and Etta Eyong seal vital three points.

2025-10-05T00:36:38+00:002025-10-05T00:36:38+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Odisha police busted a ₹25 lakh per candidate bribery ring targeting the CPSE 2024 Sub‑Inspector exam, arresting 122 people and postponing the test.

2025-10-03T06:20:24+00:002025-10-03T06:20:24+00:00PoliticsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

SASSA sets October 2025 grant dates, adds R10 to all payouts, and rolls out biometric enrollment. Beneficiaries get clear schedules and fraud‑prevention tips.

2025-10-01T19:20:24+00:002025-10-01T19:20:24+00:00PoliticsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Kansas Medicaid overhaul under the OBBBA spurs a $1 billion Rural Health Transformation fund, but hospital leaders fear cuts may outpace aid. Key players include Senator Jerry Moran and Gov. Laura Kelly.

2025-09-30T17:09:43+00:002025-09-30T17:09:43+00:00HealthLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Sassuolo beat Udinese 3‑1 at the MAPEI Stadium, boosting their Serie A hopes while exposing Udinese’s early‑half defensive woes.

2025-09-28T21:47:33+00:002025-09-28T21:47:33+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

A single ticket hit the R124.6 million PowerBall jackpot in South Africa on 5 August 2025. The winning numbers were 10‑32‑34‑40‑48 with PowerBall 14, while PowerBall Plus came up 01‑02‑07‑43‑45 (PowerBall 02). The draw was held at 9 pm, and ITHUBA confirmed the win across its channels, reminding players to gamble responsibly.

2025-09-27T16:46:06+00:002025-09-27T16:46:06+00:00BusinessLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Girona host Espanyol on September 26, 2025, in a La Liga clash that could decide the fate of a bottom‑placed side and a top‑four hopeful. Girona have yet to win a match, conceding 16 goals, while Espanyol sit comfortably in the top four after a resilient start. Head‑to‑head stats tilt slightly toward Girona, but recent form and defensive frailties make Espanyol the slight favorites. Expect a low‑scoring encounter, with experts tipping a 1‑2 or 0‑1 result. Betting tips focus on Espanyol scoring at least once and an under‑2.5‑goals market.

2025-09-27T04:44:31+00:002025-09-27T04:44:31+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz survived a left‑ankle twist in his Japan Open debut, edging out Sebastian Baez 6‑4, 6‑2. The Spanish star fell early, but medical staff cleared him and he pressed on. He said a "warrior mentality" helped him finish strong, moving into the third round as he eyes an eighth title of 2025. Recovery will be key before his next match.

2025-09-26T03:28:15+00:002025-09-26T03:28:15+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Microsoft and Playground Games unveiled Forza Horizon 6, set in Japan and slated for a 2026 launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC. A PlayStation 5 version will follow, marking the franchise's first cross‑platform move. The teaser showcased iconic Japanese scenery and hidden nods to previous titles. Art Director Don Arceta and cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita promised an authentic experience. Wishlists are now open on Xbox and Steam.

2025-09-26T02:05:37+00:002025-09-26T02:05:37+00:00EntertainmentLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

After a stinging defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner has embarked on a series of subtle adjustments to his game. The Italian star hopes the tweaks will give him an edge at the China Open and keep the year‑end No.1 battle alive. His first‑round clash with Marin Cilic now carries extra significance. Sinner’s approach blends technical fine‑tuning with mental reset tactics.

2025-09-25T18:40:56+00:002025-09-25T18:40:56+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

In a dominant display at San Siro, Milan beat a ten‑man Lecce 3‑0 to lock up a place in the Coppa Italia last‑16. Santiago Giménez opened the scoring, followed by Christopher Nkunku’s first goal for the club and Christian Pulišić’s finish. A red card in the 18th minute left Lecce shorthanded for most of the game, and Allegri’s side capitalised with relentless pressure and high xG numbers.

2025-09-24T16:53:04+00:002025-09-24T16:53:04+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Ibadan's monarch‑in‑waiting, Rashidi Ladoja, has vowed to return to the classroom as a mathematics teacher after becoming the 44th Olubadan. The pledge has drawn praise from teachers, parents and civic leaders. Ladoja sees education as a public duty, not a sidelined hobby. His move could reshape expectations of traditional rulers across Nigeria. Stakeholders are watching to see if other monarchs follow suit.

2025-09-23T16:17:43+00:002025-09-23T16:17:43+00:00CultureLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Superstar Neymar is sidelined with a recurring thigh injury ahead of Santos' derby against São Paulo. The 14th‑placed side is on a four‑game winless streak and desperate for points to escape the relegation zone. Manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda must find a winning formula without his marquee player. Meanwhile, São Paulo is likely to rotate its squad as it eyes a Libertadores comeback.

2025-09-22T18:14:26+00:002025-09-22T18:14:26+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Atalanta slipped up at home, sharing points with Torino after a 1-1 draw that saw a missed penalty and a late cameo from returning striker Gianluca Scamacca. Berat Djimsiti gave the hosts the lead, but Guillermo Maripán equalised five minutes later. The drop of points could tighten the race for the Serie A crown, while Torino keep their unbeaten run alive.

2025-09-21T21:11:47+00:002025-09-21T21:11:47+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Alfie Allen has joined Netflix’s 3 Body Problem season 2, reuniting with Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Filming is underway in Budapest, with new cast members including Claudia Doumit, David Yip, Jordan Sunshine, and Ellie de Lange. Allen’s role is reportedly called “Fuzzy Brain,” sparking fan theories about how he fits into the show’s ambitious sci‑fi arc.

2025-09-20T17:05:56+00:002025-09-20T17:05:56+00:00EntertainmentLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

US viewers can stream Flamengo’s 2025 games across multiple platforms. Club World Cup matches, including LAFC vs Flamengo (June 24) and Bayern Munich vs Flamengo (June 29), stream free on DAZN. Copa Libertadores is carried on Fubo, beIN SPORTS/CONNECT, beIN SPORTS XTRA, and ViX. Flamengo’s domestic slate packs derby dates from September to November.

2025-09-19T15:51:30+00:002025-09-19T15:51:30+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

SAPS has launched a national e-recruitment portal and opened 5,500 trainee posts for the 2025/26 intake, shifting from paper applications to a digital system. The platform aims to cut paperwork, limit corruption, and speed up hiring. Graduates in law, criminology, IT, and forensics are encouraged to apply for specialist tracks. Applicants face psychometric, integrity, fitness, vetting, and medical assessments.

2025-09-12T16:00:56+00:002025-09-12T16:00:56+00:00World NewsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

After an e-hailing driver was killed at Maponya Mall, SANTACO announced a zero-tolerance policy on violence by its members. The council says anyone implicated will be expelled and cases handed to police. It is probing viral videos showing passengers being forced out of private cars. SANTACO denies resisting e-hailing and says commuters must be free to choose how they travel.

2025-09-05T16:07:14+00:002025-09-05T16:07:14+00:00World NewsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Stormers title-winning scrumhalf Paul de Wet is leaving Cape Town for the Bulls on a two-year deal, saying a fresh start offers his best shot at making the Springboks. Frustrated by rotation at the Stormers, he’s betting on more consistent minutes in Pretoria despite stiff competition from Embrose Papier, Zak Burger, and Keagan Johannes.

2025-08-29T20:34:56+00:002025-08-29T20:34:56+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Palmeiras eased into the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals after a controlled 0-0 at home sealed a 4-0 aggregate win over Universitario. The Brazilians did the heavy lifting in the first leg and managed the return tie without stress in São Paulo. Universitario fought but never looked close to a miracle comeback. Palmeiras await River Plate or Libertad as they chase a fourth Libertadores crown.

2025-08-22T15:55:11+00:002025-08-22T15:55:11+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Thousands of Palmeiras fans took over Times Square wearing green, singing and waving flags ahead of their first-ever Club World Cup match. Their energy carried through to MetLife Stadium and beyond, fueling their team's success on the field and putting a bright spotlight on Brazilian soccer culture across the U.S.

2025-08-15T15:42:44+00:002025-08-15T15:42:44+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Ben Shelton powered past Taylor Fritz in straight sets to secure a spot in the National Bank Open final against Karen Khachanov. Shelton, 22, beat tough opponents in earlier rounds and is now close to his first Masters 1000 title. His strong run could push him to a career-high world ranking.

2025-08-08T15:52:48+00:002025-08-08T15:52:48+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/

Arsenal grabbed a 1-0 win over AC Milan in a Singapore pre-season showcase, powered by Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike. Mikel Arteta gave fans a first look at new signings and promising youngsters, while Milan’s solid defense struggled up front. A tense penalty shootout saw Milan squeeze past Arsenal 6-5.

2025-08-01T15:33:09+00:002025-08-01T15:33:09+00:00SportsLourens Boteshttps://cottoncandi.co.za/author/lourens-botes/