"Independent Media prides itself on the tradition of high-quality sports writing. The [launch of the] inaugural SPORT magazine is a proud moment in our company’s history," says Jermaine Craig, head of the Independent Media solutions sport business unit of the new publication.
"In partnership with our experienced and talented magazine division, SPORT will provide subscribers of our premium morning newspaper titles with a memorable 2018 FIFA World Cup special edition, as well as superb writing on some of the most topical recent sports events," adds Craig.
"A must-read is the great tribute to the mercurial AB De Villiers, as well as a look at South Africa’s current sprinting boom. This is an exciting new product offering we are confident will be well received. We have a few more special SPORT editions planned this year for our valued subscribers and advertisers," Craig says.
The cover feature, written by the former professional footballer and experienced correspondent Rodney Reiners, takes a look at Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup.
It asks if they can 'truly join the pantheon of real football greats such as Diego Maradona, Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Zinedine Zidane if they don’t lead their country to World Cup glory?'
SPORT also pays tribute to recently retired Proteas player AB de Villiers and Bok player Bryan Habana.
According to Independent Media, no SPORT edition would be complete without the rugby scribes’ coverage, especially with a new dawn for the Springboks under coach Rassie Erasmus.
SPORT will be freely available to all subscribers of The Star, Pretoria News, The Mercury and Cape Times on Friday, 8 June.
For more information, visit www.independentmedia.co.za.