It may have only been a trial match but almost 10,000 people packed in to Central Coast Stadium to watch Usain Bolt’s first appearance for the Central Coast Mariners.
Mariners fans had to wait until the 72nd minute to see the star attraction but the electricity that was felt around the stadium would’ve made the Mariners board hopeful that Bolt could give the club a much needed boost and get bums on seats during the season.
Wearing jumper 95, which is a tribute to his 100m world record 9.58s, Bolt settled into the left wing position looking nervous but excited. He didn’t have to wait long for his first touch coming in the 73rd minute from an attempted through ball that was slightly behind him and left him unable to make the right touch.
To the eye Bolt looked a little unfit and a little out of practice but it didn’t stop him being involved in a half chance from a cross in the 91st minute then also had a blocked shot in the 92nd minute.
In the post game interview bolt admitted he isn’t where he needs to be right now but stated, “it’ll take 4 months to get to where I need to be”.
When asked how he felt finally being out on the pitch he replied, “great feeling, just trying to get used to the guys and just happy to be here”.
Mariners coach Mike Mulvey was questioned on Bolt’s performance after the game to which he replied, “ he didn’t disgrace himself ”.
Bolt now has 7 weeks until the first game of the A-League season and it is yet to be confirmed if he will be a permanent member of the Mariners squad.
Central Coast are $26 to win the A-league.
