 |
| Sibol's MLBB coaching staff take a picture together with PESO officials at the end of the national team combine. Ivan Saldajeno |
QUEZON CITY—While other options were considered, restarting the qualification process for Sibol's Mobile Legends Bang Bang team for the Asian Games from scratch was the best choice moving forward for the Philippine Esports Organization following Tony "Ynot" Senedrin's shock resignation as the supposed head coach upon moving to NaVi Indonesia from Onic Philippines.
Ralph Llabres, the overall head coach of the Sibol program, said on Tuesday that the anticipated roster shakeups from the previous MLBB qualifiers last November to the Asian Games this September prompted them to consider undoing the November tourney and holding a new one instead if major transfers do occur.
"Honestly, for us, when we were talking about it, this is just a smarter decision. Unang-una, yung unang qualifiers namin happened in November, and then the Asian Games are happening in September, so alam naming lahat na sobrang daming mangyayaring changes," Llabres said during a press conference at the end of Sibol's combine at the TNC headquarters.
Senedrin first got the Sibol head coaching job after Onic PH ruled the first qualifier, but two weeks after the said tournament, the club announced his shock departure.
Sibol eventually announced that he had also vacated the national team coaching job after accepting an offer to join NaVi ID.
"Noong nag-step down si Tony, at least sa amin sa Sibol, the goal will always be the gold medal, and kung ano ang pinaka-sound na decision for the Philippines, this is what we will choose," Llabres further said while declining to say the exact reason for Senedrin's departure.
The Nationals then revealed that Onic Esports vice president for operations Denver "Yeb" Miranda, Team Falcons Philippines head coach Francis "Duckey" Glindro, and Selangor chief tactician Michael "Arcadia" Bocado were brought in to be their "support coaches".
"This is where the support coaches have helped me a lot," said Sibol general manager Jab Escutin.
"I've been in contact with these guys to get their interest, provide them with the opportunity, and at the same time, ask them for advice about the current situation. Thankfully, Yeb is closely working with Ynot, so during the early days of our discussions about opportunities with being a support coach."
PESO decided to push through with another round of qualifying, and Team Liquid Philippines, Sibol's SEA Games squad, ruled the "requalifier" after beating Falcons PH in the finals, 3-2.
With that said, Allec "Sn4p" Alvarado was named the new Sibol head coach and will be in charge of forming the national team for MLBB.
Onic PH still received an invite to the combine after finishing third in the tournament, with Aurora Hunters as the fourth team to make the cut.
