Koreans 'blown' away by PE

Category: Sportelizabeth

Date Added: 16 February 2010

The Korea Republic beat Bay United 3-1 in a practice match at the new Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on the final leg of their South African safari in mid-January. It was a much needed win after they lost 4-2 to Zambia and drew 0-0 with Platinum Stars in earlier matches.

The Korea Republic beat Bay United 3-1 in a practice match at the new Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on the final leg of their South African safari in mid-January. It was a much needed win after they lost 4-2 to Zambia and drew 0-0 with Platinum Stars in earlier matches.


On a blustery Thursday morning, several thousand fans enjoyed free entry to the stadium and roared with delight as Umlilo drew first blood, somewhat against the run of play, with a superb header by defender Lerato Makhubo on 24 minutes. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as the Taeguk Warriors leveled literally from the restart with the simplest of tap ins from striker Lee Dong-Gook. Barely 5 minutes later he struck again with a long-range pile-driver of a shot. The visitors were home free. Bay United understandably fielded a completely different side in the second half as they've reached the business end of their National First Division campaign but it didn't matter to the visitors as they grabbed a third goal through Kim Bo-Kyung in the 50th minute, again from long range.

It was the South Koreans'  first look at Port Elizabeth's new stadium and they were clearly impressed with what they saw. “The facilities are excellent and we were very happy with the experience,” said their media man Ilki Park. “It was important that we were tested properly at this venue because it will be the scene of our World Cup opener against Greece on the 12th of June. Bay United fitted the bill perfectly and were very good opposition for us.” As for the wind that screamed through the stadium, Park could only shake his head in bemusement. “It was very windy and now we understand why Port Elizabeth is called 'The Windy City'. We are told that this is the time of year that the wind really blows so hopefully it wont' be too bad in June.” Speaking for the entire team, Park described Port Elizabeth as a beautiful city with friendly, hospitable people. “Even our arrival at the airport was special with the traditional dancers waiting for us. It really made an impression and in terms of preparation for 2010 we can safely say that it was mission accomplished.”

As important an outing as it was for the Taejuk Warriors,  so too was it an invaluable experience for Bay United as they warm to the task of winning back promotion to the Absa Premiership. In their next outing after losing to the Koreans, Umlilo took out Ikapa Sporting 2-nil in Cape Town barely 48 hours later to return to the top of the table  they have occupied for so-long this season. At the time of going to print, a mere four matches, including the promotion-relegation playoffs, stood between Bay United and that highly sought after return to the top flight of South African football.