Reds make history of sorts tomorrow (Saturday) as we welcome European opposition to the Broadfield Stadium for the first time with the visit of Belgian second-tier club KSV Roeselare.
Coached by Jordi Condom, a 49-year-old Spaniard who played more than 400 games for second-tier clubs in Spain before turning to coaching, Roeselare were formed in 1921 but the current club emerged in 1999 following a merger between two clubs, one of Catholic players and one non-Catholic which had both been around since the start of the 20th century.
These days Roeselare are owned by Dai Xiu Li, the Chinese businessman who also owns Reading. As part of their preparations for the new domestic season KSV have been training at Reading for three days prior to Saturday afternoon’s fixture.
The First Division B in Belgium, which was set up two years ago after a league reorganization, comprises of eight clubs. Last season, after finishing fifth in the regular season, KSV had to enter a four-club relegation play-off comprising six further games. They won three and drew three, ensuring their survival at this level for a new season.
They have enjoyed one European campaign, reaching the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup in 2006.
Meet the squad
Wouter Biebauw – 34-year-old goalkeeper who has previously played for Mechelen and Oostende.
Kjetil Borry – Defender in his second spell with KSV, after rejoining from Waasland Beveren last year.
Mael Lepicier – Congolese defender and cousin of French tennis star Jo-Wilfied Tsonga. Has played for Mons and Royal Antwerp.
Francois Kompany – Brother of Man City star Vincent. The 28-year old had a very brief spell with Macclesfield Town in 2010.
Pieter-Jan Monteyne – Roeselare born, now playing for his hometown club after spells at Germinal Beerschot, Mouscron, Leuven and Mons.
Martijn Monteyne – Brother of Pieter-Jan, and back at Roeselare after a spell in the Dutch Eredivisie with Roda JC Kerkarde.
Wang Bin – Beijing native trained in Brazil before moving to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F. Into his second season in Belgium.
Marko Maletic –Belgrade born Bosnian midfielder with experience in Germany with Stuttgart and in the Netherlands with Excelsior.
Nermin Zolotic – Another Bosnian, signed from Gent in 2016. Previously with Zeljeznicar in his native Bosnia, with a loan spell at Istra 1961 of Croatia.
Xu Jiajun – Chinese midfielder, signed alongside Wang Bin from Guangzhou.
Thibuat Van Acker – Defensive midfielder signed from Cercle Brugge. Has previously played for Club Brugge and Beerschot.
Lilian Bochet – Frenchman with Ligue 1 experience from Valenciennes. Has also played in the Belgian lower leagues as well as Luxembourg.
Guy Dufour – Central midfielder now at his eighth club. Has played in the Netherlands as well as in the Belgian First Division with Standard Liege.
Saviour Godwin – Nigerian striker selected for the 2016 Summer Olympics squad. Previously played for top division side KV Oostende.
Ibrahim Kargbo Jr. – Sierra Leone born striker who had a youth career in the UK with Reading and Crystal Palace. His father of the same name currently plays for Dulwich Hamlet.
Mathieu Cornet – French striker in his third season at KSV. Had a youth career with Standard Liege and was signed from Antwerp.
Tickets for this game are just £1. For more information and details of Saturday's Family Fun Day click here
Pictured: KSV coach Jordi Condom
