Mohalenyane Phakela
FIFTEEN-year old Tšoana Ranyali flew Lesotho’s flag high at the Little Miss World pageant in Greece where was crowned Teen Miss World Top Model 2016.
According to Ranyali’s manager and local pageant organiser Limakatso Makutle, there were three categories at the contest, namely Little Miss World, Little Miss Eco World and the newly-introduced Teen Miss World Top Model.
An ecstatic Makutle said her models had won on two occasions in the three years they competed in the international pageant. The then 13-year-old Sandra Concalves won the Little Miss Eco World title last year.
“This time we had the opportunity to choose between three categories so Tšoana competed in the modeling category because of her proficiency in pageantry,” Makutle said.
“I did not go to Greece but as I followed the competition via online streaming I could see that it was very tough but she managed to pull it off.”
“Tšoana is only 15 and I believe with the confidence and skill she is already exhibiting at this age as well as her height and body shape, she is capable of winning the prestigious Miss World in future. We will be working towards that goal,” she said.
Tšoana competed with contestants from 39 other countries in the pageant that was held from September 24 to October 1.
The Hillsview, Maseru-based beauty is currently a Grade 10 student at Ladybrand Academy. Last year, she won both the Little Miss World-Lesotho and Miss Teen Queen of Lesotho titles.
Tšoana told Xpress People this past week she had intensively prepared for her debut international pageant and her confidence had carried the day.
“Being my first international pageant, I practised a lot but then I would often be intimidated by the fact that I did not know my competition,” Ranyali said.
“We engaged in a lot of activities including visiting charitable organisations where we planted vegetables and cleaned for people living with HIV and Tuberculosis. I gave my all in everything I did and ensured that everybody knew I was from Lesotho and that my country exists.”
She added: “I have a number of international projects lined up as the title holder but I also intend to continue with charity work in my motherland.
“I want to foster cleanliness of our environment as it not only good for our health but will attract tourists as well. I will strive to be an inspiration to other ladies and my next target is the Miss World title.”