'We're here solely to play football,' insists North Korean coach
The head coach of North Korea's Naegohyang Women's FC emphasized that their sole purpose in South Korea is to play football. This marks the first visit by a North Korean sports team to the South in eight years, as they prepare for a semi-final match in the Asian Women's Champions League. Despite the intense interest and support from civic groups, the coach stated that they will focus exclusively on the game and not on the presence of supporters.
- ▪Naegohyang Women's FC is the first North Korean sports team to visit South Korea in eight years.
- ▪They will compete against Suwon FC Women in the semi-finals of the Asian Women's Champions League.
- ▪The coach, Ri Yu Il, stated they are solely focused on playing football and not on the supporters.
- ▪Around 3,000 spectators from civic groups are expected to cheer for both teams, but no official North Korean supporters will be present.
- ▪The South Korean government has allocated $200,000 to support civic groups cheering for both teams.
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