Carl is as happy as a lark in Rustenburg
SHAKES MASHABA’S search for fresh new Bafana Bafana talent in the lower divisions has resulted in a national call-up for Santos’s Carl Lark.
The exposure is certainly welcome for the talented 21-year-old from Eastridge in Mitchell’s Plain, who is capable of playing in midfield or attack.
The SA national football side takes on Botswana in the quarter-finals of the Cosafa Cup at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday – and Lark is really looking forward to the occasion.
Currently playing for Santos in the National First Division (NFD), Lark had a loan stint at Premier Soccer League (PSL) neighbours Ajax Cape Town last year.
On his return, things didn’t go too well for Santos during the NFD campaign just completed and their quest to return to the top-flight will have to start all over again next season. But, by all accounts, Lark was the standout performer for Santos – and, fortunately, his hard work has not gone unrecognised.
He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Bafana training camp over the last two weeks.
“It has been great, a real learning experience,” said Lark. “It’s different to what I’m used to, and it definitely hasn’t been easy. We train twice a day and a lot of time and effort is spent on making sure that we know what we have to do … and that we are aware of the attitude required, and game plan the coach wants to use.
“To be honest, the call-up to Bafana was a big surprise. I never expected it. For the entire season at Santos, I was focused on trying to help the club get to the PSL. That is where I want to be, in the PSL … unfortunately we could- n’t do it.
“But, obviously, the national selectors must have been watching my performances, that’s why I was picked for Bafana. It’s an honour, and it also means that all my hard work has paid off.”
Bafana completed two warm-up matches – both against Lesotho, ending in a 0-0 draw and a 1-1 draw – with Lark playing 25 minutes in the first game and 80 minutes in the second.
“It went well, I’m still finding my way at this level, and I will continue to learn and give my best,” he said.
“On Friday), we play our final warm-up game against Malawi, ahead of the quarter-final with Botswana, and hopefully I’ll get some more game time.”
The Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup provides Bafana coach Mashaba with an opportunity to broaden the base of talent available to the national team, which offers Lark a fantastic opportunity to make name for himself.
Botswana, though, will be just as eager to get one over their southern Africa counterparts on Sunday. Their coach, Englishman Peter Butler, has included in his squad five players who do duty in the PSL – ace marksman Mogakolodi Ngele and goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe (both Platinum Stars), goalkeeper Modiri Marumo (Polokwane City), winger Joel Mogorosi (Bloemfontein Celtic) and veteran former Santos and current Bloem Celtic hardman Mgogi Gabonamong.
“I have to admit that I don’t know too much about Botswana,” said Lark. “But now that I am here, the coaches have given us lots of information.”
As for next season, Lark is just waiting to see what will happen.
“I’m still contracted to Santos,” he said. “But hopefully, there’ll be interest from PSL clubs and something can happen for me.”