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June, 2009 No.007

The DPR Korea team star shining in Russia

In the April 3rd match versus FC Khimki. HONG Yong Jo displays his skillful ball control.
※Click on the picture for a bigger image

　The rare case of DPR Korea player, HONG Yong Jo, moving to Russian club FC Rostov must surely have raised a few issues.
　FC Rostov head coach Oleg Dolmatov desperately wanted to sign the DPR Korea team captain who at that time was playing for Serbian club BEZANIJA. “He’s the perfect player. He’s the most valuable player in Asia. We want to do whatever it takes to get him as soon as possible.” The only issue was Dolmatov speaking to him to find out what he wanted.

　In the end there were no major obstacles and HONG Yong Jo transferred from Serbia to the then Russian 1st division club (2nd division equivalent), FC Rostov. Then in August 2008, in his first match since transferring, he began showing what he could do. He earned respect from his team, the coach and the fans as he did everything he could and displayed his abilities.

“This transfer is a great chance for me”.

This quote was from an interview taken with HONG Yong Jo straight after FC Rostov won their match to gain promotion to Russia’s Premier League (1st division).
“As soon as my agent told me there was a chance to transfer to FC Rostov I didn't hesitate for a minute. My parents also encouraged me to take this transfer and even my country recognized this transfer as positive so I was very happy. In DPR Korea football is the number 1 sport. Many players are targeted by overseas clubs for transfers.”

　Head coach Dolmatov often tells the media and his team how important HONG Yong Jo is as a player. In 2009, the coach was concerned because HONG Yong Jo couldn't play in their first Premier League match due to a suspension having received 2 yellow cards in the previous match. Following that he was kept out of several matches due to injury. However when he was fit he was a trusted member of the team and his name would always be on starting line up list.

　As of June 10th 2009 Round 11 of the Russian Premier League has just been played and HONG Yong Jo has appeared in 7 matches. His average playing time per match is 70 minutes and he has scored 1 goal. However this lone goal is of the utmost importance to anyone who plays in Russia.
On April 26th 2009 in Round 6, FC Rostov played Russian giants, CSKA Moscow. The match was tied 1-1 after 4 minutes of the second half. HONG Yong Jo received the ball in the penalty area and lashed a left footed winning goal to give his team a 2-1 come-from-behind victory. For HONG Yong Jo it was his first Russian Premier League goal and a splendid goal that helped beat 2004-05 UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow away.

April 26th, HONG Yong Jo looks for a goal versus giants CSKA Moscow. The goal he scored was his personal first as well as a valuable winning goal for his team.
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　Based on his performances in Russia he got a reputation back in DPR Korea and his father would often come to visit Rostov to see for himself. “It’s wonderful that my son is performing well here in Rostov. There were a lot of offers from clubs in different countries but we decided on here. That decision was based on Russia and DPR Korea being friendly during the Soviet era.”
　HONG Yong Jo himself has said he enjoys Rostov. However it was his superb goal against CSKA Moscow that garnered interest from other Moscow clubs.
　“If I can get a transfer to Spartak Moscow or CSKA Moscow, it would be amazing” HONG himself said, looking forward to the future.

　If he can continue his good form it is surely just a matter of time before that dream becomes a reality.

＜Profile＞
ＦＷ HONG Yong Jo was born on 22nd May 1982 (27 years old). 175cm、68kg. He was signed by DPR Korea’s 4・25 Sports Group and transferred to Serbia super league club Bezanija in 2007. He played 7 matches and scored 1 goal. In 2008 he transferred to the Russian first division (2nd division equivalent) club FC Rostov. He has played 16 matches and scored 2 goals. FC Rostov won the 1st division and were promoted to the Premier League.
　As of June 10th the club is coming 9th out of 16 Premier League teams and is in a relatively safe position. He wears number 21. He is the captain for the DPR Korea team.

Text＝Mikhail Sanadze