Saidi Office is not surprised with his meteoric rise in the game of pool.

He has always believed he belongs to the top of the table.

The Chitungwiza based  19-year-old played pool ‘for fun’ not more than 12 months ago, but now he is part of the national pool team set to play in the All-Africa Blackball Championships to be hosted by Zimbabwe in August.

“This is a great honor, but I am not surprised as I have always believed in myself,” said Office who finished fourth in a national tournament used to select the Zimbabwe team recently.

“As a believer I am happy to say I will be amongst the finest in Zimbabwe pool.

“I started playing it as a past time activity around our neighborhood, Chitungwiza.

“I was doing it for fun in 2016, but fortunes changed when I joined my current club, Phoenix,” he said.

The young man is grateful for ‘elders’ who have nurtured his fledgling career.

“I feel good and ready to deliver for Zimbabwe, my league United Chitungwiza and my team Phoenix.

“Through professional leadership and guidance from the club elders namely Wellington Duri, Taurai Gomera and elder Nhakiwa, I have become a better player.

“Things have changed since I turned professional in 2016 and through hardwork, discipline and commitment I was drafted into the team as a doubles player,” he said.

Pool is a pub game and how is it like for this teenager playing in such an environment and how do his parents take it?

“My father was not of the idea initially as he is a strict man. However after watching me playing some games he changed his mind and he now fully supports me.

“My mother never had any issues but you know most mothers are not comfortable with bars especially given my age.

“The green light was only given when they realized I was playing for a professional club, Phoenix, and also in a very professional where wayward behavior is not tolerated.

Office has fully realized he loves pool and wants greater things for his future beginning with the August continental tourney.

“I want to become a professional player and earn a living through it because I love pool.

“My promise to all pool loving Zimbabweans is that as a team we will try our best.

“Personally I have lots of confidence. I am not easily intimidated.

“My stick talks louder than the opponent’s supporters.

“I play well calculated shots reading the opponent’s strategy and capitalizing on mistakes or miscalculations. Naturally I am a sharp shooter or sniper.

“I believe in playing basic pool…and rarely play for the gallery, but to win,” said the Rusape born boy.