Salic “Hadji” Imam chose to stay with Blacklist International amidst the uncertainty, focusing on those who remained rather than dwelling on those who left.
In a shocking turn of events that sent shockwaves through the MPL Philippines scene, the core of the winningest team in league history broke up and jumped ship to Aurora for the upcoming Season 14.
Gone from the team are Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna, Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, Edward “Edward” Dapadap, and assistant coach Dexter “DEX STAR” Alaba, who all played key roles in Blacklist International’s dominant run that saw them win three MPL PH titles and the M3 World Championship.
In addition to these four key figures, Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo and coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani, who joined the team during the latter part of their run, also departed.
While the rest of the squad chose to move on and start fresh, Hadji stated that one key element prevailed, prompting his decision to stay with the franchise he helped build: his unwavering loyalty to head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza, who has been his mentor, teammate, and good friend for more than six years now.
“Syempre ano, pinupusuan ko pa rin ‘yung Blacklist eh. Andiyan naman si Coach Bon. Nung nalaman kong natira si Coach Bon, nag-stay pa rin talaga ako kasi may kasama naman ako,” said the 21-year-old veteran.
Hadji teamed up with BON CHAN during his first season in the league, forming the core of the SxC Imbalance squad that also featured Dex Star and Reiniel “HONDA BEAST” Causing in Season 2.
The two remained together for the next two seasons after the team was acquired by EVOS, before eventually parting ways in Season 5. This was when Blacklist International entered the MPL scene by taking over the squad EVOS left, and Hadji transferred to SGD Omega (now Omega Esports).
Eventually, BON CHAN recruited Hadji to be part of the V33Wise-led Blacklist International in Season 8, which gave birth to the dynasty we all know today.
“Syempre sobrang naa-appreciate ko ‘yun kasi kahit na ‘yung mga original na teammates niya ay unti-unting umalis, nawala, nandon pa rin talaga ‘yung tiwala niya [sakin] kasi since Season 2 kasama ko na ‘yan eh,” said BON CHAN.
