On August 18, from 7.45 a.m., 37 country teams arrived at Daegu Airport one after another: Thailand team was the first and Jamaica, Paraguay, China, Morocco...
Supporters welcomed their supporting team and they soon became one; here and there peaceful and warm atmosphere was produced.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Among them, 20 Aurah Supporters were seen; they were practicing cheer to welcome the Republic of South Africa team.

Around at 7.35 p.m. the athletes of South Africa began to be seen; they were late. The supporters welcomed them ardently, waving flags and placards, reading,
"We South Africa." Supporters and athletes hugged each other as if they were reunited after a long time. 110 athletes from South Africa expressed their gladness, slapping high fives as if they forgot all the tiredness from a long trip.

Especially, Lerato Malesela, Secretary of the South Africa Team Director took part in cheering and the atmosphere was enlivened more. However, it seemed to be difficult for him to follow the supporters' cheer words such as "Koejina ching ching na ne," "V.I.C.T.O.R.Y," "Fighting." But as the athletes came through exit, he become one with supporters, singing his own country's song naturally together with the athletes.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Mr Malesela said, "The 4 athletes, who entered Korea first and were welcomed by supporters, told me they felt as if they'd become super stars." Some athletes said that they got new strength due to the supporters' heartfelt welcome though they were fatigued with a long flight. Geranimo expressed his gladness, saying, "I've already fallen into Korea thanks to the supporters' wonderful welcome."

Pastor Kim Gi-hyeok, Chief of the supporters for South Africa said, "We will do our best to enhance Korea's prestige abroad and to establish friendship with South Africa. We will faithfully perform the role of nongovernmental diplomats!
Mukwevho Maemu, Woman Football Team Leader, showed her confidence, saying, "We are likely to gain best score thanks to the supporters' cheering." Mkhize Maleka, Team Director, posed for a picture with supporters very pleasingly.

Missionary Lee Jeong-guk, Executive Secretary of the Supporters for South Africa said, "At first, the athletes seemed to be tired from a long flight. But their faces were soon brightened as we encouraged them. Seeing them, I found that my volunteering was an excellent choice."

Mukwevho Maemu, Woman Football Team Leader, showed her confidence, saying, "We are likely to gain best score thanks to the supporters' cheering." Mkhize Maleka, Team Director, posed for a picture with supporters very pleasingly.

Missionary Lee Jeong-guk, Executive Secretary of the Supporters for South Africa said, "At first, the athletes seemed to be tired from a long flight. But their faces were soon brightened as we encouraged them. Seeing them, I found that my volunteering was an excellent choice."