May 2024 Highlights: Your Quick Catch-Up on What's Happening
May 2024 was packed with exciting and important stories, and here at South Africa Buzz News, we made sure to bring you the latest on everything from soccer to politics and celebrity news.
The month kicked off with some thrilling sports action. Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin earned his first call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, stepping in for Nathan Tella as Nigeria prepared to face South Africa and Benin Republic. Meanwhile, the West Indies edged out South Africa in a tight T20 cricket series, showcasing some standout performances on the pitch.
On the football front, Wayne Rooney took charge of Plymouth Argyle as head coach, aiming to turn around the team's fortunes. Also, Juventus staged an amazing comeback to draw 3-3 against Bologna in Serie A, proving why you should never count them out even after trailing by three goals.
Politics and International Affairs
In global news, the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting in response to the tragic Israeli strike on Rafah, which caused many civilian casualties and sparked worldwide condemnation. Closer to home, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan secured reelection with a strong victory, highlighting political stability amidst heated campaigns.
May also saw the US Justice Department take on ticket giants Ticketmaster and Live Nation with an antitrust lawsuit, aiming to shake up the concert ticket industry and make tickets more affordable and accessible.
Entertainment and Culture Buzz
Back on the entertainment scene, Nigerian star Davido jumped into the cryptocurrency world, launching his own meme coin amid surging interest in digital assets. Social media stirred with emotions as Cubana Chiefpriest publicly extended condolences to singer Flavour on the loss of his father.
Movie fans got excited over news of a sequel to the popular film 'Red, White, and Royal Blue' starring Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez, along with fresh updates from the 'Planet of the Apes' saga introducing a new adventurous character. In sports entertainment, tennis star Coco Gauff reflected on a tough loss but stayed focused on the upcoming French Open challenges.
From jaw-dropping sports moments to critical political developments and buzzing celebrity news, May 2024 offered plenty to keep you informed and entertained. Stay tuned with South Africa Buzz News for more updates as they unfold.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Ibrahim Olawoyin Joins Super Eagles Squad, Replacing Nathan Tella
Ibrahim Olawoyin, a standout midfielder from Çaykur Rizespor, has been called up to the Super Eagles for the first time, replacing Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Olawoyin’s excellent form in the Turkish Super Lig has earned him a spot as Nigeria prepares to face South Africa and Benin Republic.
Nigerian Star Davido Enters Crypto Market with New Meme Coin Amid TapSwap Surge
Nigerian superstar Davido has launched his own meme coin, joining the ranks of celebrities tapping into cryptocurrency trends. This initiative is expected to leverage his vast fan base, although details about the coin remain scarce. This highlights the growing intersection between celebrity culture and digital finance.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan Secures Reelection in Dominant Victory Over David Covey
Dade Phelan has won the Republican primary for Texas House District 21, defeating David Covey with 68.4% of the votes. This victory marks Phelan's continued leadership in the Texas House. Phelan highlighted his achievements, including a balanced budget and increased education funding, while Covey focused on reducing government spending.
UN Security Council Convenes Emergency Meeting After Deadly Rafah Strike
The UN Security Council is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the Israeli strike on Rafah that killed dozens, including civilians in a displaced persons camp. This event has sparked international outrage and condemnation, with calls for Israel to protect civilian lives. The Israeli military and government have launched an investigation into the incident.
AFC Leopards' Decision to Honour FKF Cup Tie Amid Boycott Threats
Kenyan football club AFC Leopards has explained their choice to honor a controversial FKF Cup match despite threats to boycott. The club prioritized the competition and avoided potential penalties that could result from a boycott. Issues over officiating led to the match being initially abandoned.
West Indies Triumph Over South Africa in T20 Series Thanks to Heroic Performances
The West Indies secured a thrilling 16-run victory against South Africa in the second T20I, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. A solid team effort with key partnerships and a maiden fifty from Roston Chase paved the way, while South Africa's chase faltered despite a strong start from Quinton de Kock.
Wayne Rooney Leads Plymouth Argyle: A New Era for Both the Club and Coach
Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, steps in as the new head coach of Plymouth Argyle, replacing Ian Foster after a series of disappointing results. This role marks Rooney's fourth managerial position since his departure from Everton's academy in 2017. Eager to embark on this new journey, Rooney will collaborate with first-team coaches and aims to transform Argyle's prospects.
Justice Department Takes On Ticketmaster and Live Nation: Antitrust Suit Aims to Reshape Concert Ticketing Industry
The US Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, accusing them of monopolistic practices. The litigation targets the stranglehold the merged entity has on the ticket-selling market, potentially leading to cheaper ticket prices and increased competition. This move is part of broader federal efforts to combat illegal monopolies in various sectors.
Cubana Chiefpriest's Emotional Condolence to Flavour Ignites Social Media
Nigerian socialite Cubana Chiefpriest's condolence message to singer Flavour on Instagram, following the loss of Flavour's father, has sparked varying reactions. His heartfelt post, accompanied by a picture with Flavour, mentioned that prominent figures would attend the burial. While some misunderstood it initially, others critiqued his English. Flavour's father's death drew widespread sympathy.
Singapore Airlines Flight Plunges 6,000 Feet, Killing British Passenger and Injuring Dozens
A Singapore Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Bangkok after encountering severe turbulence, leading to the tragic death of a British passenger and injuring dozens more. Aviation experts from multiple countries are investigating to understand the causes and ensure future safety.
Juventus Stuns Bologna: Remarkable 3-3 Comeback in Serie A Showdown
Juventus staged a remarkable comeback to draw 3-3 with Bologna in a sensational Serie A match. Despite falling behind by three goals, Juventus scored three times in the last 14 minutes. This dramatic game comes just after Juve's split with manager Max Allegri, reflecting their resilience. Both teams now stand equal on 68 points.
NBA Playoffs: Pacers vs. Knicks Game 7 Prediction and Analysis
The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are set for a decisive Game 7 in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. With Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton and Knicks' Jalen Brunson leading their teams, Coach Rick Carlisle highlights the importance of compete level and team unity. Madison Square Garden's intense atmosphere poses a challenge for the Pacers, as the Knicks aim to secure the victory.