Known Associates Entertainment Sets A New Benchmark For African Storytelling
Known Associates Entertainment (KAE) in collaboration with e.tv, proudly presents Class of ’96: Rise of a Nation, an in-depth six-part documentary series that revisits a seminal moment in South African sports history. This series is designed as a high-quality production that positions itself as a significant piece of African-owned intellectual property, showcasing the intricacies and narratives that shaped the nation’s football landscape during a pivotal era.
Telling the definitive story of Bafana Bafana’s historic 1996 Africa Cup of Nations victory and first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, the series captures the moment South Africa stepped confidently onto the global stage. More than a football documentary, Class of ’96 is a cinematic account of ambition, identity, and national transformation.
Produced by Known Associates Entertainment in partnership with A Barking Rat Film, the series combines rare archival footage, global football voices, and intimate access to the players and coaches who shaped a generation. Contributors include José Mourinho, Martin Tyler, Howard Wilkinson OBE, Alan Curbishley, Benni McCarthy, Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, and more, placing South Africa’s football story firmly within an international context.
Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, Producer and Group CEO of Known Associates Group, said:
“Class of ’96 tells a true story of grit, unity, and a nation coming together to support its national treasure and rising to victory. It warms my heart to recall Coach Clive Barker running on to the field, hands out flared like the wings of a plane, and the commentator screaming out Ndizani Bafana! This clearly demonstrates what African studios are capable of when we control our stories at every level, from development to financing to production and distribution. This is not just a documentary. It is a premium African asset built to compete in the global content market.”
Reflecting on the upcoming premiere, Mark Madai, Executive Producer at e.tv, said:
“This series is more than a sports documentary; it is a piece of South African heritage. e.tv is honoured to bring this remarkable story to our viewers, many of whom lived through those iconic moments. Class of ’96: Rise of a Nation reminds us how football united the country, inspired hope, and showcased our talent to the world. We are proud to be the home of this powerful and emotional celebration of national pride.”
Moroba Nkawe, the producer of the series and CEO of KAE, said:
“Class of ’96 carries an enormous responsibility. This is not just a football story; it is a cultural memory that lives in the hearts of South Africans. Our task was to honour it with care, depth and integrity, and to tell it truthfully, beautifully and at a standard that reflects its global significance. This series ensures that the legacy of that team, and what they represented for this country, is preserved for generations to come.”
Directed by John Barker, son of legendary coach Clive Barker, the series brings both authority and emotional depth to the story of the team that redefined South African football. John Barker concluded by saying:
“This story has lived with me for most of my life. I was there, not just as an observer, but as the son of a coach who believed deeply in his players and in what this team could mean for South Africa. Directing Class of ’96 was about listening carefully, honouring the people involved, and letting the truth of that moment speak for itself. It is a story about belief, passion, and pride, and about a team that changed the way a nation saw itself.”
Boys is more than a sports documentary; it is a global story about a global game and a powerful reminder of how South Africa arrived on the world stage and left an unforgettable mark.
Class of ’96: Rise of a Nation charts the rise of South African football in the post democracy era, following Bafana Bafana from their AFCON 1996 triumph to their historic qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Featuring international football icons, exclusive interviews, and rare archival footage, the series tells the story of how South Africa arrived on the world stage and never looked back.
Class of ’96: Rise of a Nation premieres on e.tv on 25 January 2026.
About e.tv
e.tv is South Africa’s largest free-to-air television channel, reaching over 20 million viewers daily. As part of eMedia Investments, e.tv delivers a bold mix of local and international programming, ranging from award-winning news to compelling dramas and entertainment that reflects the diverse nature of South African audiences.
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