Usain Bolt scored twice as A-League’s Central Coast Mariners eased to a 4-0 win over Macarthur South West United.
It was the world’s fastest man second trial match for the A-League’s Central Coast Mariners.
Bolts goals will boost his chances of realising his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Bolt struck in a 20-minute second-half period as the Mariners eased to a 4-0 win over Macarthur South West United; the first was a coolly-taken individual effort while a defensive mix-up gifted him a second in the pre-season friendly in Campbelltown.
“I think I made some slight mistakes but I’m just happy to get the chance and I’m proud of myself,” Bolt told Fox Sports after his withdrawal on 75 minutes.
“Scoring a goal in your first proper match is a big deal. It was a good feeling.”
Again sporting the No 95 shirt – a reference to his world record time over 100m – and playing up front, Bolt started a match for the first time, following on from his 20-minute cameo off the bench for the Mariners over a month ago.
He struggled to find his touch in the first half, but marginally improved in the second. His first goal, though, indicated some promise as he displayed strength to shrug off one defender before showing poise in front of goal to finish with a low left-footed shot. The second was a tap into an open goal after Macarthur’s goalkeeper and the defender had taken each other out.
The decision to withdraw him with 15 minutes remaining – with the prospect of a hat-trick tantalisingly close – was met with predictable boos and he departed to a standing ovation.
“I think I’ve improved in every area,” Bolt said. “I think my touch is that little bit better; my vision needs to improve a little bit more. I think my running off the ball is where I’ve improved most.”
The 100m and 200m world record holder has previously trained with Borussia Dortmund, South African club Sundowns and Norway’s Stromsgodset.
He retired from athletics in 2017 and has since said it would be a “dream” to play professional football.
The Australian A-League season begins on 19 October and the Mariners are yet to confirm whether Bolt will be offered a contract