| Rowell Pillay, captain of MSSA’s female Protea Team for the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports Title, commended the female team for their commitment, skill, and unity throughout the match. |
Up until 26 July 2025 the MSSA’s female Protea Team for the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports Title had not conceded a game in any of the three Test Matches played prior to IESF’s African Regional Championships – AEC25 – nor in any of the matches in which they played in AEC25.
However. everything changed on 26 July 2025.
A much improved Madagascan team entered the battlefield!
Their tactics revolved around a strong pick of characters and aggressive early game. The ferocity of the Madagascan early game caught MSSA’s female Protea Team off-guard and sent the Proteas reeling. The Proteas never recovered in the first game and went down to a crashing defeat of 15 – 4. The shock was palpable among all streamers and viewers alike. A near panic swept through MSSA officials as it seemed as though the ‘dream team’s’ ambitions may not be realised.
However, it must be noted that the match comprises of three games…
In the second game, Rowell, working hand-in-glove, with her team restored the composure of the team. A better draft was done and the team started off in a far more measured manner. Although the Protea’s took ‘first blood’ Madagascar stamped their authority on the game by taking the next three ‘kills’. Soon the Proteas found that they were trailing 7 – 2. It seemed as though the Proteas would again be vanquished.
However, the discipline and skill of the Proteas was cunningly marshalled by Rowell, and the female Protea team clawed their way up to a 12 – 9 victory. All sighed a sigh of relief!
The match was now one game each, and the match was to be settled by the third and final game!
The third game saw the female Protea team take control from the word go. The Proteas immediately marked their control on the game, ands dominated the game throughout. Not surprisingly the female Protea team won the third and final game 20 – 5. Thus the female Protea team has earned their spot in IESF’s World Esports Championships – WEC25.
The full game as streamed for IESF and MSSA by Waylander Gaming may be seen on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_6ah1XDjlE&t=7807s
After the game, Rowell Pillay stated, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the incredible women of the female Protea Team for their commitment, skill, and unity throughout the match. We were challenged in the first half but we came back stronger, calmer and more united than ever.” Rowell went on to say, “We also acknowledge and thank our opponents for a challenging and respectful game. This success is a shared achievement, and I’m proud of everyone who made it possible.”
The athletes making up the female Protea team are:
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