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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Zico parts ways with NXPE, cites personal growth as reason for coaching overseas

Zico parts ways with NXPE, cites personal growth as reason for coaching overseas

Published Jun 8, 2022 03:41 pm

Coach John Michael “Zico” Dizon has parted ways with Nexplay Evos and is already set to fly on June 15 for a coaching stint overseas.

From left. Nexplay Evos' Renejay, Ureshii, H2wo, Coach Zico and Donut (Photo from MPL PH)

Zico confirmed the development although he didn’t disclose the country and the team he is joining.

He, however, revealed the reason behind the coaching move which came at the heels of a stellar two-season stint with NXPE.

He guided the crew to two-straight playoff appearances all while ending the team’s two seasons of futility dubbed as the eighth place curse in MPL Philippines Season 8.

“‘Yong drive siguro sa sarili ko na gusto ko pang mag-explore at i-try 'yong skills ko kung kaya ko din ba gawin or lampasan overseas 'yong mga nagawa ko dito sa Pinas,” said Zico.

“Second yung offers, minsan lang yung ganun na opportunity at kaya di rin ako nahirapan mag-decide kasi nag-consult naman ako kay boss D (Dogie) kung ano ba dapat kong i-grab,” added Zico, who revealed in his recent vlog that he got multiple offers from other countries.

Looking forward to his first foray overseas, Zico hopes to at least replicate, if not surpass, his success with NXPE.

“Mas mafu-fulfill ko sa new team 'yong mga naging pagkukulang ko last season kaya alam kong kaya ko silang i-angat din.”

Zico started as deputy to Setsuna “AkosiDogie” Ignacio during Season 7 before he was handed the coaching reins in Season 8 where he helped the crew reach its best finish in the league as fourth place.

NXPE looked formidable under Zico’s watch having competed in the Sibol qualifiers where it lost to eventual SEA Games gold medalists Blacklist International in the Finals.

Season 9 was a roller coaster ride for Zico and NXPE although they managed to secure a playoff berth after finishing fifth in the regular season standings. The crew however got eliminated in the first round of the postseason after falling to Onic Philippines, 3-2.

Related Tags

Nexplay EVOS MPL Zico MPL PH MPL Philippines
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