Ch4knu on leaving Smart Omega for TNC: “I felt sad, but a bit happy to meet old teammates”

For nearly half a decade, Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog was the heart and soul of Smart Omega. Even back when it was still called Execration, he was already a familiar face in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) scene. His laid-back personality was one of the reasons everyone adored him. Needless to say, he is a legend in his own right.

But even the longest journeys eventually reach a crossroads. After years of donning the same jersey, Ch4knu started getting too complacent. He started underperforming, and eventually, appeared less on the stage and became a substitute player. Change was inevitable. And in the MPL PH Season 16, he transferred to a new team. 

In an interview with esports.gg, Ch4knu talked about his transition from Smart Omega to his new squad, TNC Pro Team, and how it’s going for them so far. 

The move was monumental not just for him, but for the league. Few players are as strongly associated with a single team as Ch4knu was with Smart Omega. His transfer felt like the closing of a chapter, both for the player and the community that had rallied around him for so long.

His debut in MPL PH Season 16 carried extra weight. Fate arranged his very first series with TNC against his old squad. The revamped Smart Omega proved too much for the Phoenix Army, who fell 1-2 in the series. Still, for Ch4knu, the matchup wasn’t just about the scoreboard - it was about embracing his new reality. He shared the emotional side of leaving a home he had known for almost five years.

“When I left [Smart] Omega, I felt sad, but a bit happy, still, when I knew I was transferring to my old teammates. 

While the Ch4knu's transfer to TNC reunited him with familiar faces such as Frederic “Bennyqt” Gonzales and coach Patrick “E2MAX” Caidic, both of whom shared history with him in Execration, the adjustment hasn’t been seamless. Time has passed, playstyles have evolved, and bonds need rebuilding.

When asked whether it feels like "home" again, Ch4knu admitted that the process is ongoing.

"It doesn’t really feel like being at home. I’m still adjusting since it’s been a long time since we were together. In a way, I’m adapting."

According to him, the biggest hurdle is establishing team chemistry. Communication is a focus, as TNC works to mold itself into a cohesive unit.

"Maybe it’s about communicating with them, how I can get closer to them or build chemistry, something like that. We’re finding ways to improve."

True to form, TNC Ch4knu did not forget to leave a heartfelt message to his supporters. He is hoping that fans will be welcoming of his transition to a new team. He’s not one to give long speeches, but his short words were more than enough to deliver the message from the heart.

"Shoutout to the Phoenix Army out there, please continue to support us in all our matches."

TNC Pro Team, unfortunately, could not win a single series in the opening week of MPL PH Season 16. They are now ranked 8th with a 0-2 match score. 

With that said, there are still seven more weeks left for the Regular Season. This might be enough time for the Ch4knu and TNC Pro Team to polish their chemistry and turn things around.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and MLBB coverage for the MPL-PH Season 16.