Mind Sports South Africa’s all-women Proteas Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports team booked their place in the IESF’s World Esports Championships, after the team suffered a shock loss in their first match against their African counterparts on Saturday, 26 July 2025.
In what turned out to be a hard-fought battle against Madagascar, Team SA were defeated 15-4 in a result that left the team reeling in unfamiliar territory, as they had not lost in the three Test matches played before this meeting.
The team dug deep and, with the guidance of newly appointed team captain Rowell Pillay along with Neisha Ann Khan, Ranya Sujee, Rashmika Nanakan and Shanel Arunachellam, they were able to turn their fortunes around in the second match.
“This success is a shared achievement, and I’m proud of everyone who made it possible.”
Proteas Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports Captain, Rowell Pillay
A better draft was done, and the team started off in a far more measured manner. Although the Proteas took ‘First blood’, Madagascar stamped their authority on the game by taking the next three ‘kills’, and soon, the Proteas found themselves trailing 7-2.
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It seemed as though the South Africans would again be vanquished, but the discipline and skill of the team were cunningly marshalled by Pillay, and this saw the team claw their way back to a 12-9 come-from-behind victory, much to their relief.
With the score at one match apiece, it came down to the final encounter, which was to be the decider. The Proteas took immediate control and then continued to dominate the game, which saw them secure the tie 20-5 and book their place at WEC25.
After the game, Pillay said she was extremely proud of her team’s effort which saw them to victory. “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. We also acknowledge and thank our opponents for a challenging and respectful game.”
The team got some needed experience for the International Esports Federation (IESF) Championship, which they will continue preparing for.
In the run-up to IESF’s African Regional Championships – AEC25, the MSSA Proteas Team for the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports Title played Test matches against Madagascar, Mauritius, and Ghana where they completed a clean sweep, winning all three Test matches and without losing a single game.
Main Photo Caption: Mind Sports South Africa’s women Proteas Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports team booked their place in the IESF’s World Esports Championships, after what turned out to be a hard-fought battle against Madagascar. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: “This success is a shared achievement, and I’m proud of everyone who made it possible,” said Team Captain, Rowell Pillay.
