The Phoenix Army has seen major changes as its longtime player and coach Ben “Benthings” Maglaque has left TNC Pro Team while a veteran player makes his return.
In a video posted on social media July 8th, the popular coach and player announced his departure, and the return of Shemaiah “SDzyz” Chu to TNC in a video inspired by the ending scene of Fast and Furious 6, where Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel)’s car meets that of Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker)’s, before heading into separate directions.
Benthings’ departure
(Screengrab from Facebook / TNC Pro Team)
“With a mix of sadness and pride, we say farewell to our strongest ally, Benthings. You’ve been with us from the beginning – through victories, defeats, and everything in between. Your unwavering dedication and spirit were like a ray of hope, especially during our darkest times,” TNC Pro Team said in its statement.
Benthings revealed more of his reasons for departure in a separate post, saying he wanted to grow as a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang pro.
When people ask me, “Why are you still with TNC? Why don’t you try somewhere else?” I always say, “I won’t leave TNC as long as they trust me,” Benthings said in a post translated by Fragster to English.
“Why? Because TNC was the first to open the door for me to become a pro, the first to open a door that I considered home. Of course, I want to stay in that home until it gets better, like having a sofa in the living room, a big TV, a second floor, but it just wasn’t happening, no matter what we did. Until a window opened, and I wanted to see what was there, what was waiting for me,” Benthings said, the latter seemingly hinting at his next direction.
Benthings stayed with TNC Pro Team from 2021 to 2024, having had a myriad of roles from player, and his most recent one as head coach in the recently concluded MPL Philippines Season 13, where the team finished dead last in the standings.
SDzyz’s return
(Screengrab from Facebook / TNC Pro Team)
Meanwhile, SDzyz is returning to MPL Philippines action after being exposed to different MPL regions. The ex-Team Occupy and Impunity KH jungler will make a comeback to the Phoenix Army and is expected to suit up for MPL Philippines Season 14.
His last stint with the Phoenix Army was in 2022 when he helped TNC Pro Team to its best ever performance so far – a 3rd place finish in the MPL Philippines Season 9 playoffs.
