Editors’ Note

Sport is the world’s greatest escape

ALMOST as a sign of these crazy times that we are currently immersed in, the last European transfer window simply blew everyone away.

THE two greatest footballers of our generation, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, had social media buzzing when the duo completed the most unexpected moves.

Messi’s free transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and Ronaldo’s homecoming to Manchester United has placed football right at the top of the minds of everyone again, and allowed us, even if just for a brief moment, to forget our Covid-19 troubles.

And that is what sport is ultimately about: The pure unadulterated joy of being able to escape into a fantasy world to a galaxy where heroes are born and villains are cast in the space of just 90 or so minutes.

The Springboks and All Blacks have been providing this form of entertainment for 100 years and we take an in-depth look at a rivalry that has captured the imagination of the global rugby public ahead of their centenary Test in Brisbane, while we also dig into the archives to celebrate the 1937 Bok “Immortals”.

It’s not only in Europe where football is reaching fever pitch with Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns still a cut above the rest, while Kaizer Chiefs are pinning their hopes on their new signing Keagan Dolly.

South African sports women also continue to reach new highs with Banyana Banyana striker Refiloe Jane living her best life in Italy with AC Milan, while the Proteas women’s team are breathing much-needed fresh life into SA cricket.

As we continue to be starved of the opportunity of visiting stadiums to consume live sport, we hope this magazine brings you just a little bit closer to all the action once again.