Karabo Mokoena was so focused during his 62 in Thursday’s opening round of the Stella Artois Players Championship at Randpark Golf Club that it took some time for his incredible performance to sink in.
Mokoena's round of eight birdies, an eagle and one bogey earned him a two-stroke lead over a group of five players.
“I’m only realising now that it was a good round. I checked the leaderboard and no one has managed to match the score, so I am really chuffed with that,” said Mokoena.
“My round was good. I didn’t have a chance to have fun, as the nerves were sky-high during the first round. I was just trying to stay in the moment and not rush anything, taking it a shot at a time.”
Take a bow Karabo Mokoena. 👏 #StellaArtoisPlayersChamps pic.twitter.com/jRxJuJ4b3k
— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) November 13, 2025
Mokoena believes his game is steadily improving and is hoping to build on this first round.
“I am definitely more certain with my decision making. I’ve made four out of five cuts during my last five tournaments, so the game is moving in the right direction. I am pleased with my position, hopefully I keep it going and improve my ranking. A good week will help me to get into a better position to be selected for the bigger tournaments,” Mokoena added.
Closing off Karabo Mokoena’s superb round of 62 with this birdie on the 9th hole. 👏 🚀 #StellaArtoisPlayersChamps pic.twitter.com/BDYFLJumeA
— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) November 13, 2025
The group of five players on seven under includes South Africans Ethan Smith, Nikhil Rama, Deon Germishuys and Jordan Burnand as well as Zimbabwe’s Stuart Krog.
Rama is also in good form at the moment after finishing fourth in last week's Hyundai Open.
SCORES
62 - Karabo Mokoena
64 - Ethan Smith, Nikhil Rama, Stuart Krog, Deon Germishuys, Jordan Burnand
65 - Matthew Spacey, Ockie Strydom, JC Ritchie, Pierre Viallaneix
66 - CJ du Plessis, Luis Carrera, Christiaan Burke, Michael Hollick, Herman Loubser, Gerhard Pepler, Anthony Michael, Stals Swart, Simon du Plooy, Quintin Wilsnach, Kyle Barker, Estiaan Conradie
67 - Hayden Griffiths, Joe Long, Lyle Rowe, Pieter Moolman, Oliver Bekker, Peter Karmis, Keanu Pestana, Keagan Thomas, Bryce Easton, JJ Senekal, Ruan Korb, Rupert Kaminski, Stephen Ferreira, Tyrone Ryan, Kieron van Wyk, Thabiso Ngcobo
68 - Jaco Prinsloo, Keegan Mclachlan, Ryan Van Velzen, Daniel van Tonder, Jean-Paul Strydom, Tyran Snyders, Trevor Mahoney, Hunter Epson, Ulrich van den Berg, Graham van der Merwe, Carter Rowe
69 - Lwazi Gqira, David Amm, Ruan Groenewald, Otto Van Buynder, Marcel Steyn Scholtz, Xander Basson, Luke Brown, Ricky Hendler, Luke Jerling, Hennie du Plessis, Louis de Jager, Ryan van der Klis, Rowan Lester, Jason Broomhead, Leon Vorster, Keenan Davidse, Kyle De Beer, Jason Roets, Conner Mackenzie, Hennie Otto, James Mack
70 - Carl Mwale, Kyle McClatchie, Rhys West, Keelan van Wyk, Mikkel Antonsen
71 - Daniel Cronje, Robson Chinhoi, Warwick Purchase, MJ Viljoen, Paul Boshoff, Liam Grehan, Makhetha Mazibuko, Albert Venter, Eric Wowor, Tomas Gana, Jacques Blaauw, Samuel Simpson, Neil Schietekat, Jean Hugo, Ruan Conradie, Rourke van der Spuy, Jacquin Hess, Zachary Chegwidden
72 - Musiwalo Nethunzwi, Kael Strydom, James Pennington, Slade Pickering, Heinrich Bruiners, Jake Redman, Christian Kriek, Tyron Davidowitz, Nyasha Muyambo
73 - Benjamin Van Wyk, Altin van der Merwe, Joe Knox, Umar Davids, Ronald Rugumayo, Bradley De Beer, Ryan Tipping, Keelan Africa, Danie Van Niekerk, Jovan Rebula, Louis Albertse, Tristen Strydom, Sentanio Minnie
74 - Dylan Mostert, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Marcus Sandile Taylor, Thomas Spreadborough, Haydn Porteous, Jacques P de Villiers, Werner Deyzel, Tumelo Molloyi
75 - Ruan de Smidt, Gregory Mckay, Brandon Meads, Nick Cunningham
76 - Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Toto Thimba Jnr, Wynand Dingle, Mandla Dlamini Jnr, Jastice Mashego
77 - Merrick Bremner, Franklin Manchest, Tristin Galant, Pierre Pellegrin
82 - Jarryd Govender
