Usain Bolt has many things to work on if he is to succeed as a professional footballer, says All Whites and former Wellington Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie.
Bolt made headlines yesterday after the Daily Telegraph reported that the eight-time Olympic gold medallist is on the brink of joiningA-League club Central Coast Mariner on a six-week intensive trial.
Brockie, who currently plays for the Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa where Bolt trialled at earlier this year, said he admired Bolt's drive to become a professional footballer, but he needed to work on his first touch and finishing.
"He came with his entourage and he had that appeal that he does when you watch him on the starting blocks for a running race but his touch let him down a little bit and he needs to work on his finishing a little bit too," Brockie told Radio Sport.
Brockie also said they played a small game for 10-15 minutes where Bolt was on his haunches and admitted he had to go back to Jamaica and get some match fitness.
"Obviously sprinting brings a different kind of fitness than running around a football field for 90 minutes, that's for sure," said Brockie.
"He wasn't too shy to give anyone a bollock on the football field as well which was a surprise. We all know from a distance what kind of personality he brings to the world.
"[It] would have been one of those ones where a trialist comes along and then you go in the changing rooms afterwards and you're saying 'surely he's not going to be here the next day'."
Brockie remained sceptical about the reason behind the Mariners' interest in Bolt, and suggested that signing a player solely because of their name could cause issues within the club.
"What are they bringing him to the league for? Are they bringing him as a publicity stunt or are they bringing him because they think they can add value to the team? He's obviously going to be one of the five foreigners that you're allowed in the team.
Tiyani Mabunda and Usain Bolt during a Mamelodi Sundowns Training Session, with Jeremy Brockie lurking in the background. Photo / Getty
"And then how much are you going to pay him? Are you going to pay him the minimum wage and the boost his appearance fee?
"For example someone like Michael McGlinchey who has been in the league for so long and has won championships, he's earning probably a decent salary at the Central Coast Mariners and then a 31-year-old comes along with obviously one of the biggest names in sporting history, is earning five to six times as much as you because of his name, so it's an interesting one."
While some sporting fans may be curious to see Bolt on the football pitch, Brockie wasn't exactly believing the hype having witnessed his ability first hand.
"No doubt he's one of the biggest names in sporting history and he's had a very good career on the race track but to try and become a professional footballer, after myself who has been playing it for 10-12 years, it takes a little bit more than just wanting to achieve that dream. It takes a lot of hard work.
"I'd be very surprised if he does eventuate but on the other side, it's got the A-League being talked about already."
