A-League: Trial match could determine my future, says Bolt

Usain Bolt says his performance in a trial game on Friday could determine his future in his quest to play professional soccer.

Usain Bolt trains in Tuggerah ahead of making his starting debut on Friday Picture: Brett Costello

Usain Bolt says his performance in a trial game on Friday could determine his future with the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League and his quest to play professional soccer.

The eight-time Olympic sprinting champion is expected to start for the Mariners against a suburban Sydney team called Macarthur South West United. United, made up of NSW Premier League players from the southwest Sydney area, are coached by former Socceroo Nick Carle

“This is going to be a big game. I think it will determine if the club makes up its mind on what to do with my career,” Bolt said yesterday.

The Mariners begin the A-League regular season on October 21 in Brisbane against the Roar. Bolt, who holds the 100m and 200m world records, has retired from competitive track and field.

After being used as a winger in his first brief trial appearance in late August, Bolt hinted at a positional change for Friday’s match at Campbelltown Stadium.

He said Mariners coach Mike Mulvey had told him “he wants to play me up top more”.

“The couple of games that I played, I didn’t play with the first team,” Bolt said. “There’s a few first-team boys in the team for Friday. So I’ll get different service, better service, because they’re more seasoned and more mature.

“So he just told me to make sure I’m focused and push myself, and I’ll just take the chances when I get them.”

The 32-year-old Jamaican track great said he was pleased with his progress in soccer.

“That’s always a good step, when coaches are satisfied with the fitness to put me in the starting line-up. That’s always a big step,” Bolt said. “I can say I’ve been improving, (but) you won’t know what level you’re at until you actually play a competitive game.”

In late September, Mulvey said he could wait until January before making a final decision on Bolt’s status with the team.

Bolt saw his first action for the Mariners on August 31, playing 20 minutes against a Central Coast invitational side. He showed flashes of genuine skill, but appeared to struggle for fitness.

He played the entire second half against the North Shore Mariners on September 19, when he alternated between left wing and forward.

AP