A day of low scoring saw 113 of the 156-man field breaking par, the Swedish pair of Joakim Lagergren and Sebastian Soderberg were leading the chase on Thursday, a solitary shot behind on seven-under-par alongside Nick Bachem and Hennie O'Kennedy.

Fichardt recorded eight birdies, while Vorster made an eagle and six birdies on the Jack-Nicklaus-designed layout at Steyn City.

Fichardt started on the 10th and birdied his first two holes as he looks to end a six-year victory drought on the DP World Tour and claim a sixth title.

"I didn't have a great warm-up so for my first two holes, I was just focused on swinging it easy and hitting fairways and greens," the 47-year-old said.

 “I managed to make those two birdies and that was me.”

"I just stayed consistent for the rest of the round. Once you get off to a hot start there's no fixing up to do. You just keep riding the wave."

At the other end of the age spectrum, 21-year-old Vorster is still in his rookie season on the Sunshine Tour and seeking a maiden professional win.

"I'm very happy," Vorster said.

"After I missed a few short birdie putts on the front nine, my caddie just told me to be patient.”

"On 10, I hit a great second shot and made the putt for eagle and that shifted the momentum for me."

In joint-seventh place, Scotland's Calum Hill and Ewen Ferguson are part of an eight-man group on six under.