Miss South Africa finalist Kerusha Kylie Govender, pictured, is not the usual pageantry type.
She loves football, and has never modelled professionally – except for one time the 25-year-old participated in the Miss Mamelodi contest, hosted by PSL club Mamelodi Sundowns.
She won the title in 2012, and scored again when she was selected as the legal advisor for the team.
The former Westville beauty told POST this week that she was in her final year of law studies when she heard about that competition.
“I love soccer and Patrice Motsepe (owner of the team) is an inspiration and a legal mentor. I knew I had to enter the competition and was thrilled when I won.”
After winning R270 000 in cash and a car, her dream of working with Motsepe was realised.
“On the back of winning, Mr Motsepe had seen my work and asked if I would like to work for them.”
And while Govender has no formal modelling experience, she decided to enter the Miss SA pageant, because “I was in the right time of my life”.
In August, Govender auditioned for judges, wearing a two-piece bikini. She said even though it was daunting, it made her aware of herself.
“You have to be confident.”
Govender is among 25 women vying for the crown. Next month, 12 semi-finalists will be selected for the pageant set for Sun City in March.
“Even if I don’t make it that far, I feel the experience thus far has been extremely enriching; the women are gorgeous and I have been exposed to the best in the industry.”
Apart from following football, Govender loves going to the gym.
“My job is very high pressured and I enjoy working out.”
Another passion is travelling.
“In the last two years I have been to Paris, Thailand, and London. I love travelling. I think there is a lot of knowledge to be gained from it – learning about people and their culture. It changes your perspective.”
So what will the Miss SA title mean for her?
“It’s showing that normal women can pursue the Miss SA dream.”
Cheering her on are her parents, Rajan, the owner of a steel company, mother Babs, a midwife working in Saudi Arabia, and her elder sister Aleasha, 27.