THE FINAL ROSTER for the Men's MLBB lineup for IESF 2024 is now official as the team announced the list of players who will headline the National Team colors.
It seems there is reunion that took place between the Bren coaching staff as Paulo "Pauloxpert" Munsayac and Francis "Ducky" Glindro will once again work together to share their tactical insights.
The difference is that Pauloxpert is the head coach in this situation while Ducky is the assistant.
Then when it comes to the list of players, the main players of RRQ Kaito namely Edferdz "Ferdz" Fernandez, Gabriel "DENJIRO" Guinto, Carl Edriel "Minguin" Gallantes, Cymond "Cy" Torres, and Denniel Denison "xNova" Gomez were chosen, alongside the lone Falcons AP.Bren member, Kyle "KyleTzy" Sayson.
Why KyleTzy?
When it comes to National Team rosters, Sibol has found success when the organization selects a pool of players from one specific team, as seen from Blacklist International during the 31st Southeast Asian Games or Bren Esports/AP.Bren the year after.
Then when it comes to subsitute players, Sibol would oftentimes have one or two members from another team. Blacklist had former MHRLK Esports member Kenneth "Yue" Tadeo during the 2022 IESF Championships, while Bren had a mix of Jan "XBOCT" Amande for the next iteration of the IESF, and Nowee "Ryota" Macasa during the 32nd SEA Games.
Now for this year's IESF, KyleTzy will have some shoes to fill for the squad. According the Sibol General Manager, Jab Escutin, his presence will boost the squad.
"That's why Coach Pau is very confident in his chosen six-man per se. I think the
combines have shown him that, you know, KyleTzy has what it takes to be a part of the
scene, and I think they also have enough time to actually blend in together," he said.
Add the jungler's relationship with Coach Pau which last happened back in MPL PH Season 10 as well as his veteran experience, Kyle will have a bigger role for the team.
"So I think also with Coach Ducky also being there, I think they will have a very good mix of how to build these players to gold medals. So we are very excited to see that, and in return, KyleTzy, he's worn the Philippine colors before last year," stated Escutin.
Power to the grassroots
While KyleTzy is one of the biggest names in the pro scene, one shouldn't overlook RRQ Kaito's ascencion, a team brimmed with a lot of promise due to their showing not only in the MDL but also in the Sibol qualifiers and combine.
This ultimately proves one thing, the Philippines isn't just blessed with talent from the pro scene as they can also light up the beacons in the amateur scene.
"It's not just the 1% of the MPL pros that can represent the Philippines in the global stage.
I think this will send a message that even the grassroots and the amateur teams have what it takes to represent the Philippines," started Escutin.
"How many teams in total joined our qualifiers? I think at least we have around 30 plus teams that actually tried to be part of the national team.
However this will also raise an important question? Can the development teams win a medal in one of the biggest stages in esports? Only time will tell.
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