DUTCHMAN Werner Kooistra, South China's goalkeeper on a high after two superb Cup performances recently, has been called up to don the Caroliners colours in their Asian Cup Winners' Cup final second leg away match against Saudi side Al-Qadisiyah tomorrow (Tuesday morning Hong Kong time). Kooistra has been selected as one of three foreign players who will do battle against the Saudis. The 26-year-old Dutchman replaces local goalkeeper Leung Cheuk-cheung who had a poor game in South China's 4-2 loss in the first leg of the Asian final last month. Kooistra has become the perfect replacement for his predecessor, former West Ham 'keeper Allen McKnight, who returned to Britain in late February. ''Before the first game I understood why we picked three outfield players because we were the home side and we were expected to attack,'' Kooistra said. ''But, in hindsight, it was a wrong decision. Basically, it was between myself and Anto Grabo who got in the first game. It was quite understandable that we went for the extra attacker.'' Kooistra, who spent eight years with Dutch League side AZ Alkmaar, the last five years as a professional, joins central defender Marcel Liesdek and Bosnian striker Anto Grabo as South China's three foreign players - the maximum quota permitted in the tournament. South China have decided to drop mainland Chinese left winger Wu Qun-li. The 33-year-old has failed to produce the sort of form which made him China's Player of the Year last year. Two key players - captain and defender Ku Kam-fai and Chan Wai-chiu - are both suspended for the match, Ku being shown a red card in the first leg of the final and Chan picking up two yellow cards in previous Asian Cup matches. The Caroliners will also be depleted in strength by a leg injury to winger Loh Wai-chi.
