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It seems like Team Liquid can make a top tier player out of anyone and Sanford knows why.
Team Liquid have been practically unstoppable in MPL PH Season 17 and EXP Laner Sanford Vinuya couldn’t be more confident in his team. There were worries around the team during pre-season which persisted into the opening week. But now that the regular season is done, there’s no denying that Team Liquid are once again looking like the best team in MPL PH.
“Sobrang satisfied ako with the results,” Sanford told The GAME in an exclusive interview. “Nung rene-rebuild namin ‘yung team, hindi ko naisip na kaya namin gawin ito. Ngayon nandito na kami, sobrang thankful ako sa lahat naging kasama namin, lahat ng nagbigay ng effort. Worth it ‘yung sacrifices and masasabi ko na sobrang confident ako na magiging champion kami this season.”
The fact that Sanford is making the call this early speaks volume about his trust in his team’s capabilities. Their 12-1 regular season is impressive, but what really makes this team remarkable is the fact that they’ve weathered through so much changes and turbulence yet they still remain one of the best teams in the world.
When asked what he thinks keeps Team Liquid at the top, Sanford gives major props to their coaching staff. “Hindi ka nila bine-blame, they just want na matuto ka. Kunwari ‘yung mga teams sa ibang sports, kung paano sila mag-build ng mga star players – paano sila mag-motivate ng players, paano sila mag-correct ng mga players. Super quality ‘yung coaches, to the point na talagang world class sila.”
Sanford also commends Coach Ong “Aeon” Sheng as he was vital in turning the team into a well-oiled machine.
“Noong una, syempre meron mga doubts. Pero nung nakita ko paano siya mag-set ng goals, paano siya mag-discipline ng mga players, nakuha talaga niya ‘yung respeto namin lahat. And ngayon, never kaming ganitong ka-hard working,” he said.
“‘Yung work ethics namin sobrang nag-improve talaga. Laking tulong siya sa amin inside the game and outside the game. Nae-explain niya bakit ‘yung mga ganitong bagay ay nakakatulong sa amin. Sobrang talinong tao siya.”
It just goes to show that it’s not an individual player but the entire team working together that makes Team Liquid world class. It’s anyone’s guess who’ll be able to stop the Cavalry once the playoffs starts.
Banner image from MPL Philippines on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Team Liquid earns its world-class status through a combination of elite coaching, rigorous player discipline, and a highly adaptable team-first culture. Their ability to successfully rebuild and dominate major tournaments like MPL PH proves their structural excellence.
Coach Ong “Aeon” Sheng transformed the roster by instilling a rigorous work ethic and establishing clear, disciplined team goals. His intelligent approach earned immediate player respect and drastically improved the squad’s performance both inside and outside the game.
Team Liquid achieved a dominant 12-1 record during the MPL PH regular season. This impressive performance quickly erased pre-season doubts and solidified them as the top championship contenders.
Instead of placing blame for mistakes, Team Liquid’s coaches focus on constructive correction and long-term player education. They mirror successful traditional sports organizations to build, motivate, and sustain top-tier star players.
Team Liquid EXP Laner Sanford Vinuya is highly confident that the team will secure the championship title this season. He credits this outlook to the intense sacrifices, hard work, and effort made by the entire roster.