Far From ‘Moody’: The Calm Presence That Steered Team Falcons PH
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
Far From ‘Moody’: The Calm Presence That Steered Team Falcons PH
Team Falcons PH were on the verge of collapse after five weeks of the MPL Philippines Season 16 regular season. With only two wins in nine matches and a record of seven game wins in 22, the Green Falcons found themselves grounded near the bottom of the standings from Week 2 to Week 5.
Players started searching for answers, some already setting expectations of missing the playoffs for the first time as a five-man unit. But just as the situation seemed bleak, the organization made a game-changing move—bringing in Mohammad “Moody” Samal as their assistant coach before Week 6.
A shift in energy
After his arrival, Falcons began showing more life and structure. They still dropped close series to TNC Pro Team and Smart Omega, but the improvement was noticeable. Then came Week 7—their turning point.
Falcons strung together three straight series wins, claiming six of eight games and squeezing their way into the playoffs, aided by other results falling in their favor.
For Moody, the climb wasn’t easy either. Before joining the Falcons’ nest, the Bahrain-born coach worked his way up through the Mobile Legends Development League (MDL), serving as an assistant coach for Smart Omega NEOS in Season 3, followed by two seasons with Team Liquid PH Academy and a stint with Team Liquid’s female team, whom he guided to a fourth-place finish at the MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025.
He described his time in the MDL as his “learning point,” where he refined both the fundamentals and emotional side of coaching—skills that have proven vital in his current role.
Coaching with structure and heart
For Moody, the transition to MPL coaching came naturally.
“Mas nadalian ako dito,” said the 29-year-old. “Kasi sobrang high caliber na yung players at they know what they’re doing.”
But he was quick to note that talent alone isn’t what fueled Falcons’ resurgence. “Mas na-apply ko yung mga pagdidisiplina,” he added. “Ayaw ko masanay sila sa mga (cheese picks). Kasi mahilig yung mga (high-caliber) players sa limit testing.”
He explained that while MDL players tend to stick closely to the meta, MPL players often push boundaries to explore their limits.
“Mas mapapansin mo ‘yan sa mga MPL teams compared sa mga nasa baba,” Moody said.
Earning trust, building chemistry
Despite being a newcomer, Moody was welcomed with open arms by the Falcons roster—something he didn’t expect at first.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa kanila, kasi I really expected worse,” he said with a laugh. “Pagpasok ko, feeling ko hindi nila ako susundin. Siyempre, ano ba naman ako? MDL coach lang.”
But his doubts were quickly erased. “Hinayaan nila akong makapag-adapt sa kanila. Open sila sa mga opinions ko,” he continued. “And ang pinakamaganda doon, hindi lang nila basta pinapakinggan. Ginagawa rin talaga, sinusubukan din nila.”
He even cited Michael “KyleTzy” Sayson’s improved confidence in using his trademark assassin junglers instead of the tankier ones. “Parang may pinoint out ako doon, actually,” Moody said, smiling as he kept the details under wraps.
The work never stops
Moody admitted that he’s a workaholic coach—constantly reviewing footage and studying opponents even after long match days.
“Kahit pag-uwi ko, nag-aaral na kaagad ako ng kalaban. Tinitignan ko kaagad kung sino yung possible na kalaban namin,” he shared.
Even after the regular season, he said his first priority following a short break would be scouting their next playoff opponent.
When asked about his IGN, Moody laughed off the irony behind his name.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, 2 out of 10,” he said, chuckling.
Far from moody, the coach has been the calm, steady hand that helped steer Team Falcons PH back into flight—proof that discipline, humility, and trust can bring even a struggling team back to soaring form.
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