BOLT’S OFF THE PACE, GREATS SAY
FORMER Socceroos captain John Kosmina says sprint king Usain Bolt playing for the Central Coast Mariners would be nothing more than a “sugar hit” for the A-League.
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt, 31, is set to have a six-week trial with the Mariners – provided Football Federation Australian support the move financially via their marquee fund.
If the trial goes ahead, and Bolt impresses enough to earn a contract, his first A-League game would be at Suncorp Stadium on October 21, when Brisbane Roar host the Mariners on the opening weekend of the 2018-19 season.
Roar managing director David Pourre had no doubt Bolt’s presence would attract non-football fans and boost crowd numbers.
“I’m not going to guess on how big the crowd might be but given the popularity of Usain Bolt and his success, it would draw people through the gate,” Pourre said.
“We will no doubt push the fact the Bolt would be coming to Brisbane.”
Kosmina understood the marketing appeal of Bolt playing in the A-League but did not want FFA to spend money from its marquee fund on the retired sprinter.
“It might be good publicity, but I would be appalled,” Kosmina said.
“If FFA spent money on bringing Bolt to the ALeague it would be a waste of money.
“It’s just a sugar-hit and wouldn’t solve the ALeague’s problems.”
Former Socceroos defender Craig Moore was also against Bolt being signed as a marquee player by the Mariners.