US economy slows to 1.6% in Q1 of '24 – BEA    EMX appoints Al-Jarawi as deputy chairman    Mexico's inflation exceeds expectations in 1st half of April    GAFI empowers entrepreneurs, startups in collaboration with African Development Bank    Egyptian exporters advocate for two-year tax exemption    Egyptian Prime Minister follows up on efforts to increase strategic reserves of essential commodities    Italy hits Amazon with a €10m fine over anti-competitive practices    Environment Ministry, Haretna Foundation sign protocol for sustainable development    After 200 days of war, our resolve stands unyielding, akin to might of mountains: Abu Ubaida    World Bank pauses $150m funding for Tanzanian tourism project    China's '40 coal cutback falls short, threatens climate    Swiss freeze on Russian assets dwindles to $6.36b in '23    Amir Karara reflects on 'Beit Al-Rifai' success, aspires for future collaborations    Ministers of Health, Education launch 'Partnership for Healthy Cities' initiative in schools    Egyptian President and Spanish PM discuss Middle East tensions, bilateral relations in phone call    Amstone Egypt unveils groundbreaking "Hydra B5" Patrol Boat, bolstering domestic defence production    Climate change risks 70% of global workforce – ILO    Health Ministry, EADP establish cooperation protocol for African initiatives    Prime Minister Madbouly reviews cooperation with South Sudan    Ramses II statue head returns to Egypt after repatriation from Switzerland    Egypt retains top spot in CFA's MENA Research Challenge    Egyptian public, private sectors off on Apr 25 marking Sinai Liberation    EU pledges €3.5b for oceans, environment    Egypt forms supreme committee to revive historic Ahl Al-Bayt Trail    Debt swaps could unlock $100b for climate action    Acts of goodness: Transforming companies, people, communities    President Al-Sisi embarks on new term with pledge for prosperity, democratic evolution    Amal Al Ghad Magazine congratulates President Sisi on new office term    Egypt starts construction of groundwater drinking water stations in South Sudan    Egyptian, Japanese Judo communities celebrate new coach at Tokyo's Embassy in Cairo    Uppingham Cairo and Rafa Nadal Academy Unite to Elevate Sports Education in Egypt with the Introduction of the "Rafa Nadal Tennis Program"    Financial literacy becomes extremely important – EGX official    Euro area annual inflation up to 2.9% – Eurostat    BYD، Brazil's Sigma Lithium JV likely    UNESCO celebrates World Arabic Language Day    Motaz Azaiza mural in Manchester tribute to Palestinian journalists    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Athletics: Bolt agrees to practice deal with Australian soccer club
AP Published in Ahram Online on 07 - 08 - 2018

Usain Bolt is quickly closing in on a professional soccer career.
The Jamaican great has negotiated an ''indefinite training period'' with Central Coast Mariners in Australia's A-League.
The eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the 100- and 200-meter world record holder has been chasing another career ambition since quitting quit track and field.
''It has been my dream to play professional football and I know that it will involve a lot of hard work and training to get to the level required to play and make an impact in the A-League,'' the 31-year-old Bolt said in a statement released by the Mariners on Tuesday. ''I am very excited about coming to Australia and would like to thank the owner and management of the Central Coast Mariners for giving me this opportunity.''
The Mariners said the agreement does not guarantee Bolt a professional contract but does give him the opportunity.
''I always say that 'Anything is possible, don't think limits,' and I look forward to the challenge,'' said Bolt, who is set to travel to Gosford, north of Sydney, this month to join the squad for practice.
The A-League season opens in October.
Bolt has already tried to play with clubs in Germany and South Africa and some critics have regarded speculation of his latest attempt in Australia as a public relations stunt.
Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said he is optimistic about Bolt's opportunity.
''It is important that we don't get too caught up in the hype of possibilities, but ... we are committed to building a team that will win matches and instill belief, hopefully Usain can help us on this mission,'' Mielekamp said. ''We welcome Usain with open arms, and we will always remain grounded and focused on the job at hand.''
Football Federation Australia responded last month with caution when reports emerged of Bolt's hopes to play in the A-League.
In a statement then, the FFA said: ''While Usain Bolt is one of the most famous athletes on the planet, he's not a professional footballer. If the trial goes ahead and Central Coast Mariners decided it stacks up and they want to offer him a contract, then we will have a discussion with them around that and what might be possible.''
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Clic here to read the story from its source.