Clayton “Savero” Kuswanto embraces pressure as ONIC PH’s first Indonesian import eyes breakthrough

Being first often comes with pressure—and for Clayton Kuswanto, better known as Savero, that pressure is impossible to ignore.

As the first Indonesian import to compete in the MPL Philippines, Savero didn’t just join ONIC Philippines to fill a roster spot—he arrived carrying expectations shaped by a championship pedigree and a region known for its aggressive, high-octane playstyle.

But early into Season 17, Savero’s challenge has proven to be more than just mechanical skill—it’s about adaptation.

“I’m the challenger who wants to prove myself in the Philippines,” Savero said.

Replacing Duane Pillas, also known as Kelra, Savero steps into a system that is still searching for consistency. While his resume boasts back-to-back MPL Indonesia titles and an international podium finish, the transition hasn’t been seamless. 

Instead, it has been a lesson in contrast. Philippine Mobile Legends, he quickly realized, plays a different game.

“I’m excited to be playing in the Philippines, but I’m surprised by the defensive gameplay. I’m experiencing culture shock because the gameplay is very defensive,” Savero explained.

The shift from Indonesia’s clash-heavy tempo to the Philippines’ slower, objective-focused style has forced Savero to rethink his instincts. In Indonesia, aggression often dictates outcomes. In the Philippines, patience wins games.

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Thrown into a new environment with little knowledge of Tagalog, Savero had to rely not only on his gameplay but on the willingness of his teammates to bridge the gap.

“They’re very supportive in helping me adjust because on the first day, I really didn’t know any Tagalog words. Day by day, in scrimmages and games, they help me learn and communicate in Tagalog and English,” Savero explained.

That support system has been crucial. Teammates Borris Parro (Brusko) and Nowee Macasa (Ryota), both familiar with Indonesian culture from their stints abroad, have stepped in as translators—often in the middle of high-pressure situations.

“‘Yung comms namin, hindi pa ganoon ka pulido. Every second sa game, sobrang halaga talaga. Kapag sa teamfight, kapag tatawagin ko si Savero, may split second pa na ita-translate ko ‘yung sinabi niya sa teammates ko. Sobrang halaga ng bawat segundo sa teamfight,” Brusko said.

In a game where milliseconds can decide outcomes, even the smallest delay matters. Yet beneath the adjustments, there’s a larger story unfolding.

Savero isn’t just trying to fit in—he’s trying to redefine what it means to be an import in MPL Philippines. His presence signals a shift in the league’s landscape, where cross-regional talent is no longer an experiment but a growing reality.

And while ONIC PH continues to navigate an up-and-down start, Savero’s journey is still in its early chapters.

With weeks left in the regular season, the question isn’t just whether he can adapt—it’s whether he can eventually thrive.

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