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.
Verdict so far: Judging by the 10,000 people that turned up, I think it would be too much to give.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Thanks for your comment. I actually forgot to edit this piece before submitting. While on the subject, your grammar also needs work. Back to the topic though, if Bolt can become a regular, he should become a player that would boost attendances in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, or wherever he can find a game for the team.
parkhacker
Roar Rookie
Wow thanks Jordan do some comments here and get an English spelling lesson.Seriously,Usain skill level has to be low of course this will improve with training and game experience he seems to have the want to be a good football player.He will be a great drawcard for the A League for sure and boost attendance figures specially if he scores a goal.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Playing not "Plating"
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Are you talking about Goodes plating for the Waverly over 35s
Nick Symonds
Guest
“From a data perspective he’s already smashed every record possible. Over 350 million people globally have read about him and his hopes of playing on the A-League." - https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/charlesworth-tips-bolt-to-crack-an-a-league-contract
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Good on him, SBS should sign him up as a regular for TWG.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Forget Bolt, the Mariners should sign Adam Goodes - "Despite being vastly different sports, Goodes says there are several skills that translate across from AFL. But having not played full-pitch soccer in decades he had no expectation about his ability. He needn’t have worried. Goodes scored four goals in the first game of the season and netted many more as he terrorised the opposition from the wing and up front. The ultra fitness he gained playing AFL, which he says is by far the more physically demanding of both codes, was also a major advantage in a league where most players are there just as much for the beers and the banter. “In the AFL we played for two hours and it was high intensity running for that time,” he said. “I find plenty of time now playing soccer to have some good rest on the wing. “I love to play in space, use my height at set plays to win the ball. “I like to use my fitness to get back and defend and then press forward.” https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/got-the-goodes-afl-legend-switches-to-soccer
At work
Roar Rookie
My biggest surprise was how gassed he was, I thought he was going to collapse with the amount of sweat he was generating. His understanding of where to exist on the field will be his downfall, which isn’t good for a man of his age. But hey, Charlseworth is laughing, being their 2nd biggest crowd in 12 months, and in a trial against a select side no less, they’re not even a team.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Oh sorry i didn't see that
Mahler
Guest
If you want us to take your comments seriously then please improve your spelling. It's 'waste' and not 'waist'.