Documentary Series
Class of ’96: Rise of a Nation is a powerful documentary series revisiting the iconic Bafana Bafana team whose 1996 Africa Cup of Nations victory became a defining moment in South Africa’s post-apartheid history. Blending intimate personal stories, historic footage, and national memory, the series explores how football helped unite a country finding its identity.
Created by John Barker, son of legendary Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, and co-directed by Robin Adams of Barking Rat Films
The series offers a uniquely personal perspective on a team that changed a nation. Featuring compelling interviews with Bafana captain Neil Tovey, Doctor Khumalo, Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe, Shaun Bartlett, André Arendse, Benni McCarthy, and leading football journalists Mark Gleeson and Robert Marawa. The series is further enriched by insights from international football figures including José Mourinho, Martin Tyler, Julia Stuart, Alan Curbishley, Glen Hoddle and Zinedine Zidane.
Class of ’96: Rise of a Nation premieres on e.tv on 25 January 2026, followed by Netflix Africa release on 27 January 2026. The series is produced by Known Associate Entertainment and a Barking Rat Films.
