By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
TNC assistant coach Patrick “E2max” Caidic expressed his pride in his former teammates from Smart Omega after the team secured a spot in the playoffs of MPL Philippines Season 14. Smart Omega became the third team to clinch this achievement, and E2max couldn’t help but commend their journey.
He noted that the current Smart Omega roster has been playing together for three seasons, which has allowed them to build strong team chemistry. This bond has been a key factor in their success, helping them become a formidable force in the ongoing season. With a solid 7-4 record, Smart Omega now sits comfortably in third place in the standings.
“Sobrang ganda ng performance ng team nila ngayon. Kita ko kase yung lineup nila na ginagamit ko, yun din yung mga teammate ko noong naglaro ako noong Season 12. Sila rin yung mga kakampi ko. So, makikita mo na na-build nila yung chemistry from Season 12, Season 13, tas ngayon Season 14,” E2max shared in a post-match interview.
He continued by emphasizing the importance of their time together: “Doon sa three seasons nilang magkakasama, [makikitang] na-build na nila yung chemistry and sobrang ganda ng mga performance nila sa mga matches nila.”
E2max, now 28 years old, reserved special praise for Smart Omega’s captain, Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog. He highlighted how Ch4knu’s leadership has been pivotal in the team’s success this season, stepping up when it mattered most.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy. Proud ako sa kanila na sa gameplay nila ngayon. Nakakatuwa tsaka kay Ch4knu na nagi-step up siya as a captain. Nakakatuwa,” E2max expressed.
When asked about TNC’s own performance, E2max explained their approach to handling their tough 0-11 record.
Instead of focusing on the pressure, the coaching staff encourages a more relaxed mindset going into each match.
He believes this will allow the players to perform at their best without the burden of the standings weighing them down.
“Yung preparation namin, more of i-relax yung mind, tanggalin yung pressure sa kanila na maglaro na parang nothing to lose na. Kase once na yun na yung iniisip papasok ng laban, mas magaang yung game for sure,” E2max explained.
“Tina-try naming tanggalin yung pressure sa kanila. More of a chill papasok, medyo magaan na hindi namin iniintindi yung standings, para mailabas talaga nila yung laro nila.”
