Plays an essential role in male gamete fertility (PubMed:30297725). Required for the binding to erythrocytes and thus, for the formation of exflagellation centers (PubMed:30297725). Present on the surface of male gametocytes. Specifically present on the surface of stage V male gametocytes (at protein level). Normal numbers of exflagellating male gametocytes (PubMed:30297725). However, male gamete attachment to uninfected erythrocytes is impaired resulting in a failure to form exflagellation centers and a subsequent reduced ookinete formation (PubMed:30297725). In P.berghei, dispensable male gamete attachment to erythrocytes and the formation of exflagellation centers.