Usain Bolt scored twice in his first start for the Central Coast Mariners in an A-League trial match on Friday before being substituted with around 15 minutes still remaining on the clock.
The retired eight-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter is trying to secure a place with the Mariners for this season, which begins for the Mariners on October 21 against the Brisbane Roar.
Usain Bolt scored the Mariners' third and fourth goals in a 4-0 win over Macarthur South West.
My first start and scoring two goals, it’s a good feeling. I’m happy I could come here and show the world I’m improving. I’m keen to be a Mariner, and get into the team.Usain Bolt to Fox Sports television
Bolt said he hoped to sit down with the Central Coast coaching staff next week to discuss his future with the team.
Bolt was in the starting lineup against a second-tier National Premier League combined team representing Sydney's southwest region.
Playing in a central striking role, Bolt struggled for touch early in the match but flourished after half-time.
He showed good strength to hold off a defender and race onto a through-ball before beating the goalkeeper at the near post with a strong left-foot shot in the 55th minute. In celebration, he gave his trademark Lightning Bolt to the crowd.
Just over 10 minutes later, he capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pick up a loose ball and tap in from a few metres out. Bolt had six shots overall before being substituted.
He left the game with the Mariners leading 4-0, which was the final score, and spent the remaining time on the sideline signing autographs for hundreds of fans at Campbelltown Stadium in western Sydney.
Bolt wore No. 95 on his jersey, in reference to his 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds he set in Berlin in at the 2009 world championships.
The 32-year-old Bolt, who holds the 100 and 200 metre world records, saw his first action for the Mariners on August 31, playing 20 minutes against a Central Coast invitational side.
He played the entire second half against the North Shore Mariners on September 19, when he alternated between left wing and forward.
It's Bolt's first serious foray into football since retiring from athletics last year. He has trained with teams in Norway, South Africa and Jamaica, and had a much-publicised training stint with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in March.
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