Blacklist International is gearing up for MPL Philippines Season 14 with Salic “Hadji” Imam and Kiel “Oheb” Soriano at the helm, alongside head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza.
The team is undergoing a significant transformation following the departure of several key players and coaches to Aurora.
This offseason saw notable exits, including Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo, Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna, Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, Renejay “RENEJAY” Barcarse, and coaches Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani and Dexter “DEX STAR” Alaba.
Despite these changes, Hadji chose to remain with Blacklist International, citing his loyalty and trust in Coach BON CHAN as key factors in his decision.
“Pinupusuan ko pa rin ‘yung Blacklist. Nandyan naman si Coach Bonchan, nung nalaman kong natira siya, nag-stay pa rin talaga ako,” said Hadji.
Coach BON CHAN acknowledged Hadji’s dedication, emphasizing the importance of his presence for team stability.
“Sobrang naa-appreciate ko ‘yon kasi, kasi kahit na ‘yung mga original teammates niya ay unti-unti nang umalis at nawala, gano’n pa rin ‘yung tiwala niya,” Bon Chan responded.
Meanwhile, Oheb, who also decided to stay, maintains a positive relationship with his former teammates who joined Aurora.
He expressed excitement about the prospect of competing against them, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance the enjoyment of the game.
“Trabaho lang, walang personalan. Pero tropa tropa pa rin kami. Masaya ako kasi masaya sila kung nasaan sila ngayon, kaya wala na ‘kong ibang iniisip kasi nakikita ko naman at nasasabi naman nila masaya sila,” he explained.
“Nung una talaga, kaya ako nag-stay sa Blacklist kasi gusto ko silang makalaban kasi feel ko masaya. ‘Pag gano’n kasi parang mas nage-enjoy akong maglaro.”
The MPL Philippines Season 14 is set to begin on August 16.
