Salic “Hadji” Imam admitted on Friday night that he is still getting used to his new role with Blacklist International.
With team captain Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna taking a break this Season Nine, Hadji assumed captaincy and was tasked to lead the Tier One-backed squad’s three-peat bid.
And his first game as the team’s skipper did not go as planned.
Blacklist International fell at the hands of ONIC Philippines, 1-2, to open its title-retention campaign in the MPL Philippines.
“Sa ngayon, ‘di ko pa kayang i-lead yung team namin,” admitted the reigning MVP in Blacklist International’s post-match press conference.
“Siguro ‘pag tumagal, kailangan kong aralin yun, siguro kailangan makapagdesisyon ako agad para ma-lead ko sila, yun lang siguro,” added the 18-year-old jungler-turned-roamer.
Missing OhMyV33NUS’ shot-calling was indeed huge for Blacklist International. But instead of crying over spilled milk, the team is looking for ways to fill the void left by their star support.
On top of the list is to call shots as a unit and not to rely on Hadji alone.
“Siguro ‘di naman siya more pressure para sa amin, ano lang, marami lang kailangang i-adjust sa playstyle namin and sa comms namin. Hindi tulad dati na nakikinig lang kami kay V33, ngayon lahat kami nag sasalita,” shared Kiel “OHEB” Soriano.
“Nagco-contribute kaming lahat sa bawat gagawin namin compared dati na one shot call lang,” echoed Edward “EDWARD” Dapadap.
Next up for Blacklist International is the rejigged TNC tomorrow, Saturday st 8:00 PM.
