The Indonesian Esports Executive Board (PB ESI) officially announced the new coaches for the Indonesian National Esports Team for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC 2026) on Thursday, April 23, 2026. One of the names announced was Kenny "Xepher" Deo for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament. We certainly know that Xepher's career in the competitive MLBB scene has been quite extraordinary with the Alter Ego team.

In less than a year, Xepher has been able to bring Alter Ego back to the pinnacle of glory. This is evident in Xepher's achievements, leading Alter Ego to runner-up in MPL Indonesia Season 16 (MPL ID S16) and even runner-up in the M7 World Championship held in early 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This achievement has proven Xepher's suitability as the coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team for the 2026 ENC.

Xepher Responds to Becoming the Coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team for the Asian Games and ENC 2026, Admits His Strong Nationalism!

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Indonesian Esports Association (ESI) officially announced the list of coaches for the Indonesian Esports National Team for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup (ENC). One of the competitions the Indonesian Esports National Team will compete in is Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). The announced coach for MLBB is Kenny "Xepher" Deo. On Friday, April 24, 2026, Xepher was officially announced by PB ESI during a special media introduction event at XO Hall (MPL Arena), Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta. In addition to the ENC, Xepher will also coach the National Team for the 2026 Asian Games Esports in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Indonesian National Esports Team Manager, Glorya Famiela, announced Xepher as the coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team. This marks the first time Xepher has been appointed to the position. Previously, at the IESF WEC 2025, this position was held by former Team Liquid ID coach Doly "SaintDeLucaz" Van Pelo. Xepher's appointment as coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team was not accompanied by the announcement of the players, as the team is believed to be still in the National Selection (Seleknas) process.

Xepher also responded to the media regarding his appointment as coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team. Xepher proudly accepted the mandate given to him, even when first asked by PB ESI. "The first time I was asked, it wasn't final yet, and I was asked, 'Do you want to be the Asian Games coach?' I immediately said yes," said Xepher.

"Why? I've probably always had a strong sense of nationalism. So, I can speak Indonesian, so given the opportunity to defend the country like this, why not? I'd definitely accept it," Xepher added. Xepher also emphasized that choosing to pursue a career and coach a team with entirely Indonesian players further strengthened his sense of nationalism. "That's why my team is entirely Indonesian, right? I mean, maybe that's just because my national spirit is strong," he explained.

Chosen as Coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team, Xepher Says He Emphasizes an Aggressive Playing Style

Xepher stated to media colleagues that with his appointment as coach of the Indonesian MLBB National Team, Xepher wants to emphasize an aggressive playing style for the national team in international competitions like the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. He believes that Indonesian gameplay is known for being aggressive, disciplined, and intelligent. "As Head Coach, I want to lead the Indonesian National Team with its renowned aggressive gameplay. So, we won't change Indonesia's identity, which is aggressive, disciplined, and intelligent gameplay," said Xepher.

Finally, Xepher stated that this vision will help him in selecting players for the Indonesian National Team. "Therefore, I will choose suitable candidates, not only those who are the best in their positions, but also those who are suited to the gameplay I will bring here," he concluded. Interesting, huh? Who do you think Coach Xepher will choose? Stay tuned for further information.

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