Mohalenyane Phakela
LOCAL beauty, Moratoe Mochochoko, clinched the Miss Qoaling Highlanders FC 2014 crown at the Anglican Church Hall in Qoaling on Saturday.
The Qoaling-born stunner beat nine other contenders to walk away with the sash and tiara, with Kananelo Moroho and Maleina Hlobotsi first and second runner-ups respectively.
The fledgling event, which is set to be held on an annual basis, was sponsored by one of the supporters of the team, Thaele Makhetha. It was also a build-up to the anticipated Miss Lesotho Football teams pageant scheduled for December this year.
Miss Qoaling Highlanders Moratoe Mochochoko with 1st princess Kananelo Moroho
Although it was Mochochoko’s first foray in a beauty contest the 17-year-old oozed confidence on the stage, giving the impression she was a veteran.
The newly-crowned Miss Qoaling Highlanders FC 2014 is a Form E student at Qoaling LEC High School. Mochochoko said she has always wanted to perform in a pageant but could not muster the courage to enter until now.
After clinching the crown, Mochochoko told the Weekender her confidence made her win.
“My determination, passion and the confidence instilled in me paved are the reasons for my victory,” Mochochoko.
“I was nervous when we made the first entrance but became comfortable as the competition progressed.
“The competition was tight as there were so many pretty ladies who are experienced in the cat-walk and I was a shocked when I was announced the winner.”
The ecstatic Mochochoko also thanked the audience at the pageant who cheered her on, saying it boosted her self-esteem.
She vowed to use the title to advocate for education especially for the girl child.
“I am going to be the change that I want to see in other people,” she said.
“The title has served as the launchpad of my modelling career as I wish to compete in international pageants.”
