Usain Bolt makes football debut with Central Coast Mariners

Football fans were given a glimpse of what Usain Bolt had to offer on Friday night as the sprint superstar kicked off his hopeful football career with the Central Coast Mariners.

The Mariners are trialling the 32-year-old ahead of their 2018/19 A-League charge after he expressed a desire to chase his lifelong footballing dream.

They kicked off at Central Coast Stadium in front of nearly 10,000 fans against a team of local amateur players in Gosford, Central Coast Select.

The Jamaican star, who still holds the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, admitted he was struggling with the pace and rhythm of football ahead of the Mariners’ preseason and watched on as the action kicked off before getting a run in the 72nd minute.

A moment in sporting history is made. @usainbolt, the footballer, steps onto the pitch in Yellow & Navy. ⚡️ #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/3j9ZuEvTsf

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 31, 2018

But all eyes were on Bolt as the towering star watched and waited for a chance at hitting the turf. He applauded his teammates’ goals and was flanked by security as he strolled along the sideline.

After over an hour watching cameras film the Olympic king warm up and sit idly in his seat, fans were given a glimpse of what Bolt had to offer.

He came on in the 72nd minute, sparking a massive chant of “USAIN BOLT” from the crowd as fireworks were launched from Central Coast Stadium.

A botched first touch cracked a grin from the 32-year-old before he made a solid effort to header a cross into the goal.

The six foot five star showcased some handy footwork on the left flank and had a number of close scoring opportunities unfortunately go wide.

The Mariners eventually closed out a commanding 6-1 victory as a sweat-soaked Bolt walked off the field to speak to the media.

It was good, the crowd gave me a good ovation and I appreciate that, he said.

I wish I had more touches but I’m not fit yet so I’ve just got to put in the work and get up to speed. I'm looking forward to a great season.

Bolt said his fitness improved over the last two weeks on the Central Coast but said it could take four to five months before he gets fully fit.

The last time Bolt played in a friendly match, he shared the pitch with Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Christian Vieri.

It was an exhibition match in Paris to mark the 20-year anniversary since France’s 1998 World Cup victory.

Bolt was a surprise addition to the All Star XI that took on Zidane, Henry and other members from the victorious Les Bleus squadwho had reunited to celebrate the milestone.