Football news - VIDEO: Usain Bolt scores first goals for Central Coast Mariners
ByLe Buzz
Updated 12/10/2018 at 11:45 GMT
Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt hit a fine goal for the Central Coast Mariners in a trial match on Friday against Macarthur South West United at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt (R) celebrates scoring a goal for A-League football club Central Coast Mariners in his first competitive start for the club against Macarthur South West United in Sydney on October 12, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
The 32-year-old eight-time Olympic gold medallist is trying to transform himself from global athletics superstar to professional football player and hopes to win a contract for the Mariners ahead of the 2018-19 Australian top flight campaign.
And he did his chances no harm when he latched on to a though-ball in the second half before lashing it past the goalkeeper to give his side a three-goal lead.
The goal and his customary celebration can be seen below.
The Jamaican added a second wit 67 minutes gone.
Bolt was denied the chance of a hat-trick when coach Mike Mulvey hooked him with just over 10 minutes to go. However, the sprint superstar was delighted his performance.
"My first start and scoring two goals, it's a good feeling," Bolt told Fox Sports after he was substituted in the 75th minute.
"I'm happy I could come here and show the world I’m improving. I'm keen to be a Mariner, to play my best and get into the team.
"The coach said to me, you'll get chances, you'll score some, you'll miss some, don't put your head down, keep your head up and try for the next one."
Former Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich said although there were improvements in his game, Bolt still had a long way to go to transform himself into a professional football player.
"Slight improvement if you want to say that but his touch is still very poor," Bosnich, currently a Fox Sports commentator, said during the match.
"His speed endurance is a little bit better but he still looked tired after 15-20 minutes. He just looks a little bit sharper, not a great deal to be honest. There's a slight improvement but not very much."
The Central Coast Mariners begin their A-League campaign with a trip to face Brisbane Roar at the Suncorp Stadium on October 19.
With additional reporting from Reuters/Eurosport staff
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