Usain Bolt scores as Central Coast Mariners face Macarthur South West United

If this is the trial that makes or breaks his dream of earning a contract as a professional footballer, then time could be up on Usain Bolt.

Usain Bolt of the Mariners heads the ball towards goal. Picture: Getty

If this is regarded as the trial that makes or breaks his dream of earning a contract as a professional footballer, then the time could be up on Usain Bolt.

Even allowing for the fact the world’s fastest man got himself two goals - his first as a professional player - in Central Coast’s pre-season friendly at Campbelltown Stadium last night, the truth is he did not do nearly enough to convince the sceptics he can cut it in the A-League.

After 54 minutes of less than impressive fare, the Jamaican got to bring out the Lightning Bolt celebration after scoring with a well taken left footer against Macarthur South West Sydney, a combined NPL side that had trained just twice together, in front of 5900 fans.

Here it is, @usainbolt, the footballer, scores his maiden Mariners goal. What a moment! Don't think limits! ⚡️ #SWSvCCM #CCMFC 🎥@FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/X7zrqmrYCZ

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 12, 2018

He grabbed a second goal in the 68th minute - a gift chance which saw him walk the ball into an empty net after a comedy of errors from a defender and the goalkeeper.

But for all the fuss that will be made about his brace, it did nothing to disguise the fact the 32-year-old nine times Olympic gold medallist has too many limitations is still well below the standard required to play in the national competition. Last night’s opposition is a lot different to what he would face in the A-League when he would come up against hardened professionals who have played the game for most of their lives.

After a 20 minute cameo back on August 31 followed by a behind-closed-doors 45 minute run on September 25 - both as a left winger - Mariners coach Mike Mulvey handed Bolt his first start last night, playing him as a striker against a side made up largely of promising locals with a few old heads.

Before he got on the scoresheet, Bolt looked lost for most part.

And that was obvious after less than two minutes when he found himself in the clear and potentially one on one with the goalkeeper, only to get dispossessed.

There were several other missed chances when his positioning and execution were way off, not to mention his lack of ball control and failing to keep possession.

He tried hard and you have to give him that. And you cannot question his commitment, determination and his champion’s quality.

Bolt, who managed 75 minutes last night before being subbed, remains buoyant and was clearly delighted with his two goals.

“It was a big deal, scoring my first goal in a proper match,” Bolt said. “To score twice is a good feeling. It is what I have been working hard for, to prove myself.

“It was disappointing with that first chance. I panicked a bit and I got caught by surprise and over hit the ball.”

Bolt believes he is making good improvement.

“Definitely I have picked up a lot of things, simple things like getting into space. I am happy I showed the world I am improving,” he said.

“But, there is still more to go. I think my touches need to be better and my vision needs to improve more.”

Now Bolt and the Australian soccer world awaits for what comes next.

In the lead up to last night, Bolt said this game would likely determine whether the Mariners will sign him or not. For their part, the Mariners have said they are prepared to give him as long as it takes, even if it is six months, to prove himself.

“The season starts next week and I have to sit down with the coach and management to see where we go forward,” he added. “We have to see what the plan is, do they sign me or not, do I need to do more?”

AFP