NXLED’s rebuild began on Tuesday as the Chameleons announced the signing of five players, setting the tone for a revamped roster ahead of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Nxled secured veteran outside hitter Jonah Sabete, seasoned setter Djanel Cheng, and middle blockers Ranya Musa, Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya to add more experience and depth to the team.
Three of the additions — Sabete, Cheng and Musa — come from Petro Gazz, signaling what appears to be the start of an aggressive recruitment push weeks before the conference opens.
The trio played key roles in helping the Angels capture four PVL championships.
Meanwhile, Maraño, formerly of Chery Tiggo, and Ogunsanya are expected to give the Chameleons more size and stability to a frontline that already includes Krich Macaslang and Jaycel delos Reyes.
Amid the roster shuffle, Nxled also parted ways with Jaila Atienza, Maji Mangulabnan, Lycha Ebon, Rachel Jorvina and Jaja Maraguinot.
Atienza has since signed with Choco Mucho, Jorvina moved to Capital1, while Ebon found a new home with the revamped Galeries Tower.
Among the key holdovers from the Etorre Guidetti-coached squad are team captain Chiara Permentilla, fourth overall pick Lyann de Guzman, EJ Laure, Jovelyn Fernandez, Lucille Almonte, Mayang Nuique and Macaslang.
Meanwhile, coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes often uses quirky ways of expressing how his team managed to win a match.
Whether it’s shaving his head, growing out his beard, or donning a “lucky” jacket, Reyes acknowledges these rituals — yet he is always quick to clarify that his ultimate trust lies with the “Man above.”
Reyes was among the million-strong crowd who showed their faith and devotion on the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The former assistant coach of Chery Tiggo and former University of Santo Tomas head coach, captured his muddy feet and posted them on Facebook Story.
“A little bit of sacrifice for you, Father. For the endless gratitude and praise,” he wrote in Filipino.
After the disbandment of Chery Tiggo, Reyes now heads to the Strong Group Athletics franchise and will either coach Farm Fresh Foxies or the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.