Malaysia’s MLBB Future in SEA Games: A Challenging Proposition
Malaysia’s former top Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) player, Muhammad Faris Zakaria, known as Soloz, has voiced his concerns regarding the representation of the country in the upcoming 2023 Thailand SEA Games. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his belief that it would be difficult to see the team being represented solely by players from one team, citing the import-heavy nature of most MLBB teams in the country.
The Concern: Lack of Local Players
According to Soloz, most teams in Malaysia do not rely heavily on local talent, with imported players making up the majority. This, in his opinion, makes it challenging to select players who are truly qualified to represent Malaysia in the biennial event. He highlights Todak, one of the few teams with a significant presence of local players, as a possible exception to this rule.
A Different Approach Needed
Soloz proposed a separate selection process to identify the best players for the SEA Games, as opposed to simply relying on existing tournaments. In his words: "I think maybe we should hold an individual selection to choose the best players for the SEA Games." By holding a standalone competition, Malaysian teams can gather a pool of talented players without being limited to a single squad.
Glimmer of Hope: The 2023 Cambodia SEA Games
Malaysia’s MLBB team has seen success in previous SEA Games tournaments, winning silver and bronze in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games. This encouraging performance serves as a reminder of the country’s potential in the sport.
Conclusion
With the 2023 Thailand SEA Games on the horizon, the Malaysian MLBB community is waiting with bated breath to see how the situation unfolds. By acknowledging the difficulties faced by Malaysian teams and the need for change, Soloz’s proposal has sparked a critical conversation about the future of Malaysia’s MLBB representation in SEA Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What motivated Soloz’s proposal for a separate selection process?
Soloz believes that it would be difficult to see Malaysia’s SEA Games squad represented by players from a single team due to the large number of imported players in MLBB teams. He suggests an individual selection to identify the best players for the SEA Games, rather than solely relying on existing tournaments.
- Which Malaysian team has shown promise in local MLBB talent?
Todak is a notable exception in Malaysia, boasting a significant number of local players. Soloz highlights this team as a model for other local teams to emulate.
- What is Soloz’s outlook on Malaysia’s MLBB potential in the future?
Soloz remains optimistic, citing the team’s silver and bronze medals won at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games. He believes that with the right approach, including a focus on local talent development, Malaysia has the potential to excel in international MLBB tournaments.