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The early verdict on Usain Bolt's A-League trial

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Roar Guru
2nd September, 2018
10

The world watched on as the world’s fastest man made his professional football debut for the Central Coast Mariners against a local Central Coast Select team.

Usain Bolt played around 20 minutes off the bench on the left-wing. The yellow and navy won 6-1 thanks to a double from new recruit Jack Clisby and goals from Michael McGlinchey, Peter Kekeris, Mario Shabow and Josh Macdonald.

Today, I take a look at what Bolt did well and what he needs to improve.

Bolt seemed to laugh at many times during the match as most of the eyes were on him. His first touch resulted in an accidental scorpion kick which ended up finding a teammate, leading to a laugh from Usain. He was laughing at most times during the game.

This may raise the question as to whether Bolt is willing to take this trial seriously and that he won’t be a waist of the exorbitant salary he reportedly wants.

On the skill side of things Bolt definitely lags behind, as shown with his first touch. He provides rhe pace what Mike Mulvey wants to establish after signing pacey players in Mario Shabow and Jordan Murray – although Bolt has probably chosen the worst possible A-League club to play for.

It is tough to judge after one match but I think Bolt will need a full 12 months before we know if he can cut it.

Bolt’s fitness is going to be the decider. If that improves he could definitely be handy for both attendances and success.

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Verdict so far: Judging by the 10,000 people that turned up, I think it would be too much to give.

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