John Barker Plans Docuseries on South Africa’s 1996 Championship Soccer Squad

South African filmmaker John Barker, known for his works like ‘Bunny Chow’ and ‘Umbrella Men,’ is embarking on an ambitious project: a six-episode documentary series akin to the acclaimed ‘Last Dance’. This series will delve into the captivating journey of the South African national soccer team’s historic triumph at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

The victory was a pivotal moment for a young nation in the throes of celebrating its transition to democracy following the end of apartheid.

Titled ‘Bafana the Boys’, the documentary has already piqued the interest of the South African streaming service eVOD and is attracting attention from global platforms.

The series promises exclusive interviews with legendary players from the championship squad, including team captain Neil Tovey and star midfielder Doctor Khumalo. Barker is also in discussions with international icons of the game, such as Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, as well as renowned coaches like Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, and Jose Mourinho.

Produced by Joel Phiri and Athos Kyriakides for Known Associates Entertainment, ‘Bafana the Boys’ goes beyond the field, featuring interviews with former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who reflects on Nelson Mandela’s influence on the team’s magical run. The series will also include intimate footage of Barker’s late father, Clive Barker, who coached the team to victory.

Describing the series as an emotional roller-coaster, Barker shared his connection to the story, emphasising that it’s not just his tale but one that belongs to all South Africans. The narrative begins against the backdrop of apartheid’s twilight, with South Africa on the cusp of its first democratic elections.

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As anticipation mounted for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, the team found themselves under immense pressure to replicate the success of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which played a pivotal role in uniting the nation. Barker highlights the diverse makeup of the winning team, reflecting on how soccer served as a unifying force in post-apartheid South Africa, unlike other sports that remained segregated.

For Barker, the series is not only a tribute to the triumphs of the past but also a celebration of unity, both on and off the pitch—a legacy that his father cherished deeply. Through ‘Bafana the Boys’, Barker aims to honour this legacy and share the inspiring story of resilience, diversity, and triumph with audiences worldwide.

-Sushmita Sarkar