PHILIPPE REVEKA IS NO MORE
BY:Katlego Mechidi
Botswana National team Karate upcoming star, Philippe Revaka is no more,the 21 year old passed away on Monday morning of February 15 2020,confirmed Botswana Karate Asoociation(BOKA) President Tshepo Bathai.
The youthful karateka allegedly committed suicide.
The SSKB club star broke into the national team at just 10 years of age and represented Botswana well and achieved numerous accolades locally and internationally.
Philippe is an 2014 African Champion in after winning a gold medal in team kata, silver in kumite and another silver in individual kata during the Africa Youth Games which was held in Gaborone.
Moreover Phillipe Revaka was also part of the kata team that won gold at the UFAK Championships in Cameroon.The celebrated star won two bronze medals at the same event in individual kata and kumite.
He notably attained bronze and silver medal at Hayashi-Ha International Championships held in Spain in the individual kata and team kata respectively.
Some other achievements of the 21 year old include clinching a gold and silver at Gabs Open Championships in 2014 in the kata and kumite respectively. He was also a gold medalist at Zone 6 Championships and 2017 Botswana Games.
During the memorial service held on this Wednesday, the Botswana Karate Association president, Tshepo Bathai said they had so much hope in Philippe and emphasized that they have indeed lost a star.
“We have lost a star and everyone is hurt, I belief you all saw the impact he had, he was a very special boy, we had so much hope in him,” said the President.
His friend and teammate, Khaya Groth explained that Revaka was very passionate in karate both kata and kumite even though they are challenging. He further revealed that he was also a great motivator.
“He was passionate in karate both kata and kumite and we all know how challenging these things are, but he was the one who pushed himself, trained very hard and when training with him, you get motivated because he was very passionate,” said Groth.
Revaka’s aunt, Candice Muir said he was a very special boy and that the nation has lost someone special.
“Philippe was very special guy, the karate association has obviously lost someone special, the country have lost someone special,” Muir said.
He is survived by his mother, sister, brother, sister in law and his younger sister.
Phillip Revanka will be laid to rest on this Sunday 20 February at Phomolong Private Cemetery in Phakalane.
