Australian Club Friendly: Bolt revels in debut as professional footballer

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02:43

We head to Australia, where Usain Bolt has made his professional football debut at a friendly in New South Wales. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist entered as a late substitute, as the Central Coast Mariners, thrashed a local selection 6-1 in a pre-season match. Greg Navarro has the story.

A slight grin and a casual jog set off fireworks in a stadium north of Sydney and marked Usain Bolt's first steps in a bid to conquer another sport.

USAIN BOLT CENTRAL COAST MARINERS FORWARD "I was a little bit nervous, but as soon as I got on the field, I think the nerves kind of went."'

An unusual admission from a man, used to making appearing on a world stage look easy. The 9 time Olympic gold medalist looked a lot less accomplished in his first preseason appearance, bobbling his first few touches, followed by a missed opportunity near the goal.

USAIN BOLT SPRINTER-TURNED-FOOTBALLER "It's hard to compare right now, you know what I mean, it's my first one. As I said it was a great feeling because they came out and support, but right now, I'm just trying to get used to the guys. It's a wonderful moment to actually get a chance to play at our level, play professional football, so that's what I'm happy about."

Bolt wasn't the only one happy about getting some playing time. Thousands of curious fans lined up for a glimpse of the fastest human on the planet.

"His speed! Have you seen him run? He is fast."

Critics say contend Bolt's journey with the Central Coast Mariners is little more than a publicity stunt, a missed opportunity to focus on emerging talent, instead of a 32-year-old rookie. His coach disagrees.

MIKE MULVEY CENTRAL COAST MARINERS COACH "It's a great exercise, and the club needs to be applauded for going out on a limb, and I think the big fella did okay."

What's not up for debate is the retired sprinter's ability to draw crowds wherever he goes.

GREG NAVARRO GOSFORD "Team officials expect about 12,000 people to pass through these gates and into the stadium. Normally, for a preseason match, they say they are lucky to get 500."

"Yeah. It's crazy. I can't believe how many people are around, it's crazy, but it is definitely good for the club."

"I don't know if he will do well. I just think its pretty cool that he's chosen the Central Coast. He could have gone to any country in the world and I like the fact that he's come here."

Bolt's 19 minutes of playing time may not have silenced his critics, but he didn't appear worried.

USAIN BOLT CENTRAL COAST MARINERS STRIKER "When I start track and field, I didn't know how great I would be, and I'm looking at football just like that. I'm starting my career now, and I don't know how great I'm going to be, but I'm going to enjoy the journey and I'm going to put my all into it."

A journey that Bolt and his coach believe will be marked by patience rather than a sprint to the finish. Greg Navarro, CGTN, Gosford.