By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
As TNC Pro Team finds itself in a tight spot, where a single loss could end their hopes of securing a playoff spot, head coach Caisam “Wolf” Nopueto clarified during a post-match interview that team chemistry is not the issue.
Despite being a newly formed roster in MPL Philippines Season 14, TNC quickly built solid rapport among its players.
Wolf emphasized that it’s their decision-making during matches that has hindered their ability to close games the way they want.
This recurring problem has led them to the brink of elimination, as they are still searching for their first win in the tournament, sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 0-10 record.
Nevertheless, Wolf remains optimistic. He believes wholeheartedly that his team still has the potential to turn their fortunes around and make it to the playoffs.
“Again, miracles do happen. Lagi namang may first time, diba? If it will be the first time na may makakaalis agad sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon, it’s always impossible until somebody does it. And if that’s what it takes—na talagang kapag nasa knife’s edge kami para makabangon—I’ll take that,” said the shoutcaster-turned-coach.
He continued, “But lagi naming sinasabi, hangga’t hindi pa pino-post, hangga’t hindi pa kami pinapa-exit interview, lalaban kami.”
Even in the face of defeat, TNC maintains their composure, often seen smiling until the end of the game. Wolf explained that they do this not just for themselves but to avoid making their fans feel uncomfortable.
“Hindi lang naman yung game yung responsibility namin; we have responsibility [din] sa aming fans, sa mga supporters namin. If makita nila na sobrang down kami, parang hindi kami nagta-try, kapag pangit yung pinapakita naming effort sa kanila, then we failed them,” Wolf said.
He further acknowledged the loyalty of their fanbase: “Kase to be fair, yung mga fans ng TNC, although hindi ganon kadami, very loyal sila kasi imagine what they had to go through. So, kumbaga service na lang din sa mga fans namin, service sa isa’t isa. Kase hindi naman pwedeng down lahat, lalo pa kaming magpapa-down. Kumbaga, graceful kahit defeat.”
TNC’s struggle is evident, but their resilience and commitment to their fans are just as clear, as they fight to keep their playoff dreams alive.
