Former Smart Omega roamer Deomark “Mikko” Tabangay continues his overseas adventure as he ventures into coaching with MPL MENA side The Vicious.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Mikko revealed that coaching was initially a last resort. However, after not receiving any offers to play, he didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity following his stint with Burn x Flash during the Games of the Future Tournament in February of this year.
“After nung tournament namin sa Russia, naghahanap na ko ng pwede kong paglaruan. Last option ko talaga yung pagcocoach,” he said.
“Tapos may kumausap sakin na binigyan akong work na icoach yung isang team para sa qualifiers nila sa MPL MENA. Ang sabi pa sakin kung mapaqualify ko, baka para sa pagiging coach na talaga ako,” explained Mikko on how he arrived at his new team.
The 23-year-old former player isn’t new to coaching, having mentored Smart Omega Empress back in 2022, even before his debut in MPL Philippines Season 10.
A product of the Omega Academy, Mikko led the Omega Empress to championships in the Female Pro League Season 3, Unipin Ladies Series Philippines Season 1, and the Liga Adarna in 2022. He also coached the team to a third-place finish during the Unipin Ladies Series SEA Championship.
Despite his eagerness to continue playing, Mikko admits that he truly finds joy in coaching.
“Parang iba kasi yung feeling eh. Bago kasi ako magMPL, naranasan ko na rin magcoach eh. Parang natutuwa kasi ako pag natuturuan ko yung mga player at natututo sila sa akin,” he shared.
He began coaching The Vicious on March 7 and was initially supposed to handle the team only during the qualifiers. However, due to the results he delivered, the team offered him the opportunity to stay and coach them for MPL MENA Season 5.
Mikko hopes to emulate the coaching style of his former Smart Omega coach Tony “Ynot” Senedrin during his MPL Philippines stint.
“Ang naghubog talaga sakin as coach si Coach Tony. Iba talaga siya. Kasi kapag kinakausap ka niya kung paano yung tamang way ng paglalaro, pag nagpapaliwanag siya maiintindihan mo talaga. Talagang tatatak sa isip mo yung sinasabi niya. Gustong-gusto kong maging katulad niya.”
