KCS-Mandaue a ‘fighting force’ in Vismin Super Cup

CEBU, Philippines —  The Kiboy’s Computer Solutions (KCS)-Mandaue City vows to be a highly competitive team as it sees action in the first ever Pilipinas Vismin Super Cup set to kick off on April 9 in a bubble set-up under strict health and safety protocols.

This was assured by KCS-Mandaue team owner Ricky Verdida and head coach Mike Reyes during the team’s formal launching yesterday at the San Remigio Pensionne Suites in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

“It’s a tough challenge for us because our team is new to this kind of league. It’s a big league with a lot of strong contenders,” said Verdida. “But we have players that can compete. We will try our best and work hard to be a highly competitive team with the help of our coach.”

Under the guidance of coach Mike Reyes and team manager Ritchie Cesa, KCS-Mandaue is powered by former champion players of the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras led by MPBL standouts Joseph Airo Nalos and Bernie Bregondo of the Bataan Risers, reigning CESAFI Most Valuable Player Shaq Imperial, and Dyll Roncal.

Also in their roster are Cebu City Mayor’s Cup MVP Steve Castro, former pro Alfred Batino, Enrico Llanto, Vincent Menguito, Steve Castro, Gileant Delator, Monic Soliva, Phil Mercader, and Raffy Oktobre.

“It’s a big task ahead. The first step is to build a culture of the team. As we go along, we will identify what culture we start working on,” said Reyes, who steered the SWU-Phinma Cobras to their first CESAFI men’s basketball crown in six years back in 2019.

“What we’re looking at is to get the right parts to have a competitive team, making them work as a unit,” added the veteran bench tactician.

As for the Super Cup, Reyes said the league is an opportunity for players in the Visayas and Mindanao region to showcase their skills and be known on a nationwide scale.

“It’s a highly ambitious project but at the same time it will inspire a lot of players in the Vismin region that they now have a vehicle, an avenue to be seen and have a chance to play in the PBA,” Reyes said.

KCS-Mandaue is one of the three teams that have already confirmed their entry in the Visayas Division of the Super Cup, a Community-based league that primarily aims to discover talents and give opportunities to players in the provinces. The others are the ARQ Builders/Lapu-Lapu City Heroes of businessman/sportsman Jason Arquisola and MJAS Zenith.

For the Mindanao Division, set for hardcourt battle are the Zamboanga Valientes of Rolando “Junnie” Navarro, the Pagadian Explorers of Mayor Samuel Co and Rene “Dodong” Pamaran, and two Zamboanga del Norte municipalities in Sindangan of Sonny Diaz and President Manuel A. Roxas of Mayor Jan Hendrick Vallecer.

“We’re very thankful to all the teams for supporting our tournament and sharing our vision to help the players show their talents and at the same time provide them livelihood during this time,” said Super Cup Secretary General coach Marvin “Chelito” Caro.

As of now, the Super Cup organizers are awaiting action from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) led by chairman Baham Mitra with regard to their application to become a professional league.

Once approved, the Super Cup will make history as the first pro league based in the country’s southern provinces.