Burzis Kanga is a seasoned American tennis coach, best known for his long-standing association with the University of New Orleans (UNO) and his brief marriage to television personality Hoda Kotb. While his personal life has garnered media attention, Kanga’s professional achievements in the world of tennis are noteworthy. This article delves into various aspects of his life, including his early years, education, family, career, and, notably, Burzis Kanga net worth.
Biography of Burzis Kanga
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Burzis Kanga |
| Date of Birth | Early 1960s |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Tanzanian-Egyptian) |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Business, University of New Orleans (1984) |
| Occupation | Tennis Coach |
| Known For | Head Coach at University of New Orleans; Ex-husband of Hoda Kotb |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Hoda Kotb, 2005–2008) |
| Children | None |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Burzis Kanga Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
| Professional Highlights | All-American tennis player at UNO (1980–1983) |
| Head Coach at UNO (1986–1989, 2003–2006, 2008–present) | |
| Director of Tennis at Chateau Golf and Country Club (1989–2006) | |
| Sports Commissioner for Tennis at the 1996 AAU Junior Olympic Games | |
| Holds USTA Professional 1 certification | |
| Social Media Presence | Maintains a low profile; no official social media accounts |
Burzis Kanga Early Life and Education
Born in the early 1960s, Burzis Kanga hails from a diverse background, with Tanzanian and Egyptian roots. Details about his early childhood remain scarce, but his multicultural heritage has undoubtedly influenced his worldview and approach to life. Growing up, Kanga developed a keen interest in sports, particularly tennis, which would later become the cornerstone of his professional career.
Kanga pursued higher education at the University of New Orleans, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1984. During his time at UNO, he was an active member of the university’s tennis team from 1980 to 1983, achieving an impressive singles record of 81–9. His outstanding performance earned him All-American honors, making him the only UNO tennis player to receive this distinction.
Burzis Kanga Family and Personal Life
Information about Kanga’s immediate family is limited. However, it is known that he was married to Hoda Kotb from December 2005 until their divorce in February 2008. The couple met on Valentine’s Day in 2004 at an American Heart Association event in New Orleans. Their marriage coincided with challenging times, including Kotb’s breast cancer diagnosis and Kanga’s father’s illness. Despite their separation, Kanga has expressed continued respect and affection for Kotb, referring to her as his “soul mate.” Yahoo
Burzis Kanga Age
While the exact date of birth is not publicly available, Burzis Kanga was born in the early 1960s, placing him in his early 60s as of 2025.
Burzis Kanga Net Worth
Burzis Kanga net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This valuation stems primarily from his long-standing career as a tennis coach and his involvement in various tennis-related activities. As the head coach for the University of New Orleans men’s and women’s tennis teams, Kanga has played a pivotal role in developing the university’s tennis program. His coaching tenure has seen significant achievements, including leading the men’s team to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022 and an undefeated conference season in 2023.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Kanga has contributed to the tennis community by organizing tournaments and serving in administrative roles. He brought the 1988 Virginia Slims of New Orleans tournament to the city and served as Director of Tennis at Chateau Golf and Country Club from 1989 to 2006. Furthermore, he was the Sports Commissioner for Tennis at the 1996 AAU Junior Olympic Games and holds a USTA Professional 1 certification.
While his net worth may not rival that of high-profile celebrities, Kanga’s financial standing reflects a successful career dedicated to the sport he loves.
Burzis Kanga Relationship and Marriage
Burzis Kanga’s most publicized relationship was with Hoda Kotb, whom he married in December 2005. Their union, however, was short-lived, ending in divorce in February 2008. The couple’s separation was influenced by personal challenges, including Kotb’s battle with breast cancer and Kanga’s father’s illness. Despite the difficulties, Kanga has spoken fondly of Kotb, expressing admiration for her resilience and accomplishments.
Since the divorce, Kanga has maintained a private personal life, with no public records of subsequent relationships.
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Burzis Kanga Current Affairs
As of 2025, Burzis Kanga continues to serve as the head coach for the University of New Orleans men’s and women’s tennis teams. His leadership has been instrumental in the teams’ recent successes, including conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. Kanga’s commitment to the development of his players, both on and off the court, underscores his dedication to the sport and his role as a mentor.
Burzis Kanga Career Highlights
Burzis Kanga’s career in tennis spans several decades, marked by both playing and coaching achievements. As a player, he represented the University of New Orleans from 1980 to 1983, earning All-American honors and compiling a remarkable singles record. Transitioning into coaching, Kanga took on the role of head coach for UNO’s tennis teams during three separate periods: 1986–1989, 2003–2006, and from 2008 to the present. Under his guidance, the teams have achieved significant milestones, including conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths.
Beyond his university commitments, Kanga has been active in promoting tennis within the New Orleans community. His efforts have included organizing tournaments, serving in administrative capacities, and mentoring aspiring players. His contributions to the sport have been recognized through various accolades and honors.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Measurement |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 132 pounds |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
Social Media Presence
Burzis Kanga maintains a low profile on social media platforms. There are no official accounts attributed to him on major platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. This discretion aligns with his preference for privacy and focus on his professional responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Burzis Kanga net worth?
Burzis Kanga net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his long coaching career and tennis-related roles.
How did Burzis Kanga make his money?
He earned most of his income through decades of coaching tennis at the University of New Orleans and organizing major tennis events.
Is Burzis Kanga still coaching?
Yes, as of 2025, Burzis Kanga continues to coach the men’s and women’s tennis teams at the University of New Orleans.
Was Burzis Kanga net worth impacted by his divorce from Hoda Kotb?
There’s no public evidence suggesting the divorce had a significant impact on Burzis Kanga’s net worth.
Conclusion
Burzis Kanga’s journey in the world of tennis is marked by dedication, resilience, and a passion for the sport. From his early days as a standout player to his current role as a respected coach, Kanga has made significant contributions to tennis, particularly within the New Orleans community. While Burzis Kanga net worth personal life has occasionally been in the spotlight, it is his professional achievements that define his legacy. With a net worth reflective of a successful career in sports, Burzis Kanga continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of tennis players.
