By Stephen White, Bravado Editor

Bravado has interviewed Hadlee “Konvict” Smith, a former member of the Bravado CS team.

Konvict left the CS team in October 2009, along with Richard “deviaNt” Groves and Graeme “korupt” Blackburn, for Pantheon Gaming. Since then he left Pantheon and joined up with miNt Gaming. We decided to catch up with him to hear his side of the story:

bvd: Welcome to the new-look Bravado site Hadlee. You are the first interview on the new website, so what do you think of the site and the teams before we get into your interview?

Konvict: Hi there, well the site looks great, most likely the best website set up for a gaming team, visually and functionality. I have not had a chance to look at the CoD4 lineup but I do know that Jan (Takbok – Ed) is a great gamer and whatever team he is in, is destined to get some sort of first team placing so I’m happy for bravado in that concern.

CSS on the other hand, I have mixed emotions about, not because the players lack CSS skills at all but because the three new recruits have sort of been in and out of gaming, hopefully they are dedicated and can pull off some nice wins.

bvd: A few months ago you left Bravado with deviaNt and korupt to join up with Pantheon Gaming. That was quite a surprising move and since then, you have left Pantheon to join up with miNt. Can you explain to the readers why you left Pantheon?

Konvict: I never really left Pantheon, I sort of faded out the team. I was not online due to work and simply don't have much time to play. So after talking to korupt we agreed that a replacement must be found, as you've seen Craan has joined.

It was not my desire to find another team but I was approached to play for miNt this year up till rAge. Financially they offered me a better deal than other teams could when it came to rAge as im not in the position to afford the event. As well as the playing times suit me.

bvd: There are always rumours that run around any community and South African CS is no different. There are some who might argue that you left Cent and Detrony and now you have left korupt and deviaNt as well. What is your response to this?

Konvict: Let me start by saying if there were any four teammates that I could choose out of the whole community, it would be Cent, Detrony, korupt and deviaNt. The light was dying for me, korupt and deviaNt, we wanted to bring the spark back by changing the lineup (Pantheon).

Cent is extremely good at what he does and I always knew Bravado would come back, so I was not that worried. Korupt and I talk often and we have the same views when it comes to gaming, he is very understanding and thus does not see it as me leaving him or deviaNt for miNt.

bvd: What do you think of the new Pantheon lineup? Is Craan a worthy replacement for you?

Konvict: I don't really watch players from South Africa play so I really cannot comment. I know that Craan has great teammates and anyone can look like a star with great teammates.

But I’m sure he has good individual talent as he has been playing in respectable teams since I've known of him so all we can do is wait and see if he can assist Pantheon to a top spot using that individual talent.

bvd: Would you say there is any bad blood at all between you and your two former sets of team-mates?

Konvict: I can tell you that me, deviaNt and korupt all still talk and often play Quake Live together, Richard (deviaNt) being the worst at it With regards to Cent and Detrony, it ended badly which was expected. I can say that I have no problem from my side with them, at all.

bvd: Do you think that the former Bravado team of 2008 could have achieved international success, such as a top five placing at a big tournament?

Konvict: I have no doubt what so ever in my mind that the lineup of 2008 could have achieved GREAT international success but when dedication to the game or team comes into question it’s hard to keep your eye on the prize. And don't think I’m pointing fingers, I’m including myself in the lack of dedication.

bvd: With that in mind, do you regret changing teams twice over the past few months or has everything worked out for the best?

Konvict: I regret leaving the lineup and close relations of the old Bravado. Gaming to me has become very boring and without 1.6, I don't see myself taking it seriously again. Unless one day I become amazing at Quake Live or CSP (CS ProMOD – Ed) takes the world by storm with a perfect playable version. Changing lineups (from Pantheon to miNt) was simply to stay involved in gaming without being so involved, if that makes sense.

bvd: Thanks for your time Hadlee. Any final words or predictions for local CS in 2010?

Konvict: I'll be back to play with the best for the best. As for local CS in 2010, a team with players that have mostly 1.6 status will take it all. Just a prediction. Good job and good luck Bravado. Thanks