By: Arjohn Roxas
Head coach Jeff “Jeff” Manforte acknowledged that small, unresolved issues piled up and played a major role in AP.Bren’s struggles, ultimately leading to the end of their MPL Philippines Season 16 campaign in Week 8.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Jeff admitted that problems from early in the season grew into costly mistakes that prevented the team from securing a playoff berth.
“Meron lang kaming mali na feel ko kung nakita ko siya or na-fix ko siya nung leg one pa lang, mas may ibubuga ‘yung team,” Jeff shared.
“Sabi nga ni JamesPangks, ‘yung disiplina, inside and outside — kung maaga siya na-fix, feel ko mas may isusuntok ‘yung team kasi kadalasan ‘yung talo namin ‘yung linis ng game, ‘yung nababaliktad kami. Yun talaga ‘yung feel kong naging kulang namin ngayong season, ‘yung linis namin sa inside and outside.”
The coach was candid in taking accountability for the team’s shortcomings, admitting that he could have done more to guide his players through the season’s mental challenges.
“Feel ko naman as leader, ako ‘yung pinaka nagkulang to guide them,” he said.
“Kulang ako, pero tumodo kami hanggang dulo. Nakakaproud pa rin na nakita ko silang sama-samang naglalaro kanina na masaya at tumotodo.”
Jeff also reflected on his biggest regret from the first half of the season, acknowledging that his soft approach may have backfired.
“May kulang akong di nagawa nung leg one — ayun ‘yung pinaka regret ko, which is mag-guide sila nang di sila nasusugarcoat or di sila naspoil,” he said. “Masyado kong inaalagaan ‘yung mental condition nila na laging light talk, kumbaga di ako naging strikto. Feel ko kung mas naging firm ako sa mga ibang bagay, mas magaguide ko sila. Nagawa ko siya nung leg two, kaya nagkaroon kami ng magandang run.
“So feel ko kung mas nauna ko siyang nakita nung leg one, sa sarili ko at sa team, mas magiging maganda ‘yung result.”
Despite falling short of expectations, Jeff emphasized that their final game still holds meaning — it’s about finishing strong and showing that AP.Bren’s fighting spirit remains alive.
“All in pa rin kami. Gusto ko mag-exit ng nakatodo. Ayoko kasi isipin ng lahat na mindset namin pag laglag na, wala na kaming tinitignan,” he said.
“Gusto ko mag-exit ng Season 16 na pinapakita pa rin ‘yung best form ng AP Bren — na kahit out of playoffs kami, mabibigyan pa rin namin ng good entertainment ‘yung fans namin.”
Finally, Jeff extended his gratitude to The Hive — AP.Bren’s loyal fanbase — for their unwavering support through the team’s ups and downs.
“Sa fans namin, thank you sa mga sumusuporta and sorry ngayong season is bigo tayo,” Jeff said. “Let’s keep faith pa rin kay AP Bren. Dadating ‘yung season na tayo naman ‘yung uusad, tayo naman ‘yung magple-playoffs.
“It takes time talaga, it takes process para makakuha tayo ng good results. Sana wag kayong panghinaan ng loob kasi kayo rin ‘yung pinagkukuhaan namin ng lakas para tumuloy.”
