Compiled By NAN Sports Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 7, 2018: Former Olympic sprint superstar, Jamaican Usain Bolt, has admitted that he is finding it hard to adjust to the level of fitness required for him to become a professional footballer.
Bolt made the comments ahead of his match on Friday, August 31st for the Central Coast Mariners, where he fulfilled his dream of playing in his first professional soccer match.
“The most challenging thing for me is the stop and go. I’m not used to picking up speed, going back down, then back again,” Bolt said. “It’s all about practicing and getting used to the system. I have time so will just learn the ways and keep pushing.”
Central Coast gave Bolt 20 minutes of action in a hyped pre-season run on Friday night in Gosford. The 32-year-old played on the left wing and didn’t look out of place but didn’t impress.
Coach Mike Mulvey said judgements on his Bolt’s ability would need to come after a fitness program.
“In all seriousness, he’s not fit,” Mulvey told the Nine Network. “No athletics coach will actually get you to accelerate, decelerate and with multi-directional movement like there is in football. He struggles with that right now.”
The Mariners are hoping to turn Bolt into A-League material in time for the start of the 2018/19 season in late October, with the club saying he can stay indefinitely to prove his credentials and earn a playing contract. The Mariners commence their A-League campaign on October 21st against Brisbane Roar.
