In his former life, the speed king was the fastest man on the planet. However, Usain Bolt had always dreamt of playing soccer professionally. It was therefore hardly surprising that on his retirement from athletics in 2017, Bolt, at 31, felt it was time to pursue his dream.
Although he had previously trained with South African club Sundowns and Norway’s Stromsgodset, it is at an Australian club that he is now closest to achieving his dream. 32-year-old Bolt has been training with the Central Coast Mariners in a bid to secure a contract. In their latest match, he was named on the team sheet among the substitutes.
To the sound of cheers from a crowd of 9,958, as well as smoke machines and flashing lights, the eight-time Olympic champion was introduced into the fray as a 71st-minute substitute for the Australian professional club for their pre-season friendly against an amateur side. This happened in a town just north of Sydney.
Although the Mariners ran out easy 6-1 winners ahead of their A-League season, it is not certain if the Jamaican sprint star has done enough to convince the club to award him a professional contract.
Bolt spoke to Fox Sports :
“It was good. It was what I expected. The crowd gave me plenty of motivation. I think my fitness is much better than the first week since I came here. I’m grateful to the Mariners for giving me the chance.
“Right now I’m just trying to get used to the guys. It’s a wonderful moment, to actually get on the field and play professional football. The players have really accepted me, trying to teach me things at training, encouraging me to push myself.”
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