Just months after calling it a day in his illustrious athletics career, multiple Olympic champion, Usain Bolt of Jamaica, is expected to make a return to competitive sport.
Despite turning 32 on the 21st of August this year, Bolt believes he can still make a career out of professional football.
In March this year the legendary sprinter is expected to have trials with German giants Borussia Dortmund.
In spite of his achievements on the track, the eight time Olympic gold medallist says growing up, football was his first love. He recalls times when his athletics coach would try and stop him from playing football.
However, he always found time to play the beautiful game. On Monday, his skills were put to the test, as he joined Mamelodi Sundowns’ training session at Chlorrkop.
He showcased what he can offer on the football pitch, finding the back of the net in the process. Bolt however says he needs to improve his fitness and stamina if he has hopes of playing professional football.
“I don’t know who I was teaming up with, after we went down and came back up I was breathing hard and he was like, are you tired? I’m just unfit right now, but getting in shape for its something easy. I told the coach when I when I got back to Jamaica, I just call-up my medical team and tell them I need a months’ training before I go for this trial. It will be good, I’m looking forward to going there and enjoy the experience and hopefully I can step my game when I get there.
Bolt is friends with record holder and current 400 metres world champion, Wayde van Niekerk, and other South Africa athletes.
The Jamaican sprinter who keeps regular contact with the likes of sprinter Akani Simbine says the future of South African athletics looks bright and he believes with a little investment in development, the country can compete with the best in the world.
“Now that you are putting the whole schools together to compete, I personally think that’s where you see all the talent… and more talent you have, the country will have no choice but to invest in track and field. I’ve learned over the years that when I was growing up it was cricket and football, but the more track and field got bigger in Jamaica the more they invested in it. I think with this new adventure were taking you guys see more talent and the country will have no choice but to invest.”
Bolt may be getting a chance with the Bundesliga giant, Borussia Dortmund. but he admits that if he had a choice, he’d be signing for the club closest to his heart, Manchester United.
