It’s a new org with new expectations for the former Blacklist International Mid Laner.
MPL PH S15 is the season of new beginnings, as even veteran players like Twisted Minds’ Hadji are entering a new environment.
As the Mid Laner for the newly established Twisted Minds PH, Salic “Hadji” Imam will need to bring his veteran experience to full bear for the upcoming year.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Hadji has had to switch teams in his six-year-long career — but questions on his capability to adjust will arise since he’s spent the majority of it playing for Blacklist International. At the very least, he already feels comfortable playing with his new team.
“Parang same environment lang,” said Twisted Minds Hadji. “Kasi yung mga players dito, dating ka-team ko.”
It is true that a good chunk of Blacklist’s S14 roster moved over to Twisted Minds. It was a deliberate decision by coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza and that established synergy between the players will likely go a long way in keeping the team stable. Despite this, Hadji and the team are keeping their vision realistic for the upcoming season.
“We have smaller expectations for the team para hindi masyado ma-pressure. Parang go with the flow lang pero binibigay mo yung best mo.”
Considering the rollercoaster of a season they had last year, keeping things simple sounds like a good approach. That doesn’t mean Twisted Minds will be taking it easy, however. Their goal is still to win and get to the international stage and Hadji believes there’s only one simple way to do that.
“Kailangan galingan namin sa bawat ginagawa namin tulad sa practice, scrims,” said Twisted Minds Hadji. “Seseryosohin namin kasi yung mga kakampi ko, hindi naman sila mga baguhan. Hard work lang talaga ang kailangan.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.