Two-goal start shows Bolt’s worth the status

USAIN Bolt isn’t sponsored by Nike, but he’s got Sam Kerr’s tick of approval.

The first woman to claim marquee status in Australia believes the Jamaican sprint king is worth similar money after his historic two-goal brace on Friday. Kerr and Japanese star Keisuke Honda headlined the W-League and A-League launches in Sydney yesterday.

But missing was the league’s most famous trialist in Bolt, who has captured the world’s imagination with his audacious code switch with Central Coast.

“If I wasn’t a Nike athlete, I definitely would be rocking a Central Coast jersey with (number) 95 on it,” Kerr said.

“I’m not going to lie: I turned on the Central Coast game the other day just to watch him. So if it’s appealing to people like me, I’m sure it is to other people.” Bolt declared Friday’s trial against a select Macarthur South West United team could make or break his professional soccer career.

And the 32-year-old delivered with a two-goal performance, instantly raising hope of turning his trial into a full-time contract.

But while the A-League has recognised its need for more marquee players, it is believed Bolt wouldn’t come close to meeting the criteria.

Instead, A-League officials insist they could assist the Mariners by way of a marketing arrangement, as well as enabling third party sponsorships.

Bolt also has a number of personal sponsorships that could count against him. Kerr, who would have been a glaring omission this year if it wasn’t for marquee funding, conceded Bolt had brought unprecedented attention to the league.

“I’ve seen the Central Coast badge all over the world over the last few days, and that was never going to happen (without him),” Kerr said. “He brings star power.”