Kim Jong-il ‘loves’ women’s football

GUANGZHOU, China - Reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-il “gives all his love” to the women’s football team and treats the players like they are his own daughters, its manager said.

“Our great leader loves the women’s team and all sports,” said North Korean women’s squad manager Kim Kwang-Min.

“I’m very sorry and disappointed that I couldn’t repay his warm care,” the coach added after seeing his side beaten 1-0 by Japan on Monday evening in the women’s final at the Asian Games.

“He looks after the players like they are his daughters and gives all his love to them, but I’m very sorry we couldn’t repay him for his warm care,” said Kim.

About 150 North Korean fans, mostly men, were among a crowd of 23,000 at the Tianhe Stadium for the game.

Wearing matching red caps and jackets with the words “DPR Korea” emblazoned on the back, they were separated from the rest of the crowd by a cordon and several police.

Reporters were refused access to them.

Meanwhile, the South Korean women’s team defeated China, 2-0, in the bronze medal match.

It was the first Asiad medal for the South Koran women’s team.

AFP