by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

At just five years of age, his table tennis coach nicknamed him “Messi” for his resemblance to the Argentine football star, Lionel Messi.

“Although I like football, table tennis has been my passion. Coming from a sporting family made it easy for me to enjoy the game and my parents have been very supportive.” Mohamed Sameh

The Grade Nine pupil of Mostfa Kaml Language School in Cairo, Mohamed Sameh is a confident young man.

“I believe I can become the best in table tennis in Egypt because of the kind of support I have been getting from my family. My sister who is also a member of the national junior team has been very supportive. For me table tennis is my life; I dream and eat the game. I want to be like my idol, China’s Ma Long. He is such a talented player whose calmness when playing table tennis has attracted a lot of followers across the world. Apart from Ma Long, I love Quadri Aruna of Nigeria because of his footwork and his forehand. The Nigerian is such a great ambassador of Africa.” Mohamed Sameh

Understandably, he dreams of playing on the big stage.

“I look forward to playing at the Olympic Games but I must first rule Africa and I am ready to walk that path.” Mohamed Sameh