Many people know Hoda Kotb as the happy and friendly host of the Today show. But before her huge TV success, she was married to Burzis Kanga, a private man with a strong love for tennis.
Burzis Kanga is not a TV star. He is a skilled tennis coach who spent many years helping players improve. His name became popular because of Hoda, but his own career has an interesting story.
In this article, we will learn about Burzis Kanga’s early life, tennis career, coaching work, marriage with Hoda Kotb, and the journey that made him the person he is today.
Burzis Kanga Quick Bio
| Full Name | Burzis Kanga |
| Known For | Tennis coach, Hoda Kotb’s ex-husband |
| Birth Year | Early 1960s (estimated) |
| Age (2026) | Early 60s (estimated) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Tanzanian-Egyptian roots (reported) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (approx.) |
| Education | B.Sc. in Business, 1984 |
| Career | Tennis Coach |
| College Team | University of New Orleans Tennis |
| Famous Role | Head Tennis Coach at UNO |
| Certification | USTA Professional 1 |
| Net Worth | Around $1 million (estimated) |
| Ex-Wife | Hoda Kotb |
| Marriage | 2005–2008 |
| Children | None known |
| Current Home | New Orleans, USA |
Burzis Kanga Early Life
Burzis Kanga has always lived a private life. His exact birthday is not known, but reports suggest he was born in the early 1960s in the United States.
Some reports say Burzis Kanga has Tanzanian and Egyptian roots. However, he has not shared many details about his family, childhood, or personal background with the public.
From a young age, Burzis loved sports, especially tennis. His passion for the game became the main reason he later built a successful career in tennis.
Burzis Kanga Education and Tennis Journey
Burzis Kanga studied at the University of New Orleans. During his college years, he worked hard on both his education and tennis skills.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1984. At the same time, he played tennis for the university team from 1980 to 1983.
His college tennis career was impressive. Burzis won many matches and became known as a talented player. His dedication helped him earn respect in the tennis world.
Burzis Kanga’s Tennis Career Before Coaching
After college, Burzis Kanga continued playing tennis at a higher level. He competed in professional events and played in different places around the world.
He took part in tennis tournaments in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. These experiences helped him understand the game in a deeper way.
Playing professionally gave Burzis important lessons about hard work, focus, and teamwork. Later, he used these lessons to become a better coach.
Burzis Kanga’s Career as a Tennis Coach
After his playing years, Burzis Kanga started a new chapter as a tennis coach. Teaching the sport became his main career and passion.
He returned to the University of New Orleans and became the head coach of the tennis teams. He worked with both men’s and women’s players.
Burzis also earned a USTA Professional 1 certification. This showed his strong knowledge of tennis and his ability to guide athletes at a high level.
Burzis Kanga’s Life Before Hoda Kotb
Before meeting Hoda Kotb, Burzis Kanga lived a quiet life in New Orleans. He focused on tennis, coaching, and helping young athletes.
He became a respected name in the local sports community. His work was not about fame but about teaching players and sharing his love for tennis.
Burzis also worked with sports groups, including the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. His life was simple, focused, and connected to sports.
How Burzis Kanga Met Hoda Kotb
Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb first met at an American Heart Association charity event in New Orleans. Their meeting happened on Valentine’s Day.
At that time, Hoda was a local news anchor, while Burzis was already working as a tennis coach. They came from different careers but found a connection.
The two dated for several years before marriage. Their relationship grew slowly, and they enjoyed spending time together before making a bigger commitment.
Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb’s Marriage Story
In May 2005, Burzis Kanga proposed to Hoda Kotb during a romantic carriage ride in Central Park, New York. It was a special moment for the couple.
They married in December 2005 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Their wedding was a beautiful event held near the beach.
At the beginning, Hoda felt happy about married life. She described their wedding as a fun trip with a wedding celebration added to it.
Why Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb Divorced
After their wedding, Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb faced some difficult moments. One of the biggest changes came after Hurricane Katrina damaged Burzis’s apartment in New Orleans.
Because of this situation, Burzis moved to New York to be closer to Hoda. However, adjusting to a busy city was not easy for him because he had always felt connected to the calm lifestyle of New Orleans.
Over time, the couple started facing personal struggles. Their marriage did not end because of one big problem. Instead, small differences and life changes slowly affected their relationship.
Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb Divorce Details
Hoda Kotb filed for divorce in 2007, and the divorce was completed in February 2008. Their marriage lasted only a little over two years.
The timing was very difficult for both of them. During the same period, Hoda was dealing with breast cancer, while Burzis’s father was also seriously ill.
Burzis Kanga later shared that it was a painful time for both sides. He admitted that he made mistakes and said the marriage ended during a very challenging period in their lives.
Burzis Kanga’s Honest Thoughts After Divorce
Even after their divorce, Burzis Kanga always spoke kindly about Hoda Kotb. He never shared negative words about his former wife.
He said he would always remember the good moments they shared. Burzis described Hoda as a person with great class and respect.
His words showed that their relationship ended with sadness but not anger. Both moved forward while keeping respect for the time they spent together.
Burzis Kanga Life After Divorce
After his divorce, Burzis Kanga returned to New Orleans. He went back to the place where he felt most comfortable and continued his work in tennis.
He stayed focused on coaching and helping athletes improve their skills. Tennis remained the most important part of his life.
Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Burzis chose a private lifestyle. He does not seek attention and prefers spending his time with his work.
Interesting Facts About Burzis Kanga
Burzis Kanga is known for many things beyond being Hoda Kotb’s ex-husband. He built a respected name through years of dedication to tennis.
He played college tennis, competed professionally, and later became a successful coach. His journey shows how passion can turn into a lifelong career.
Some reports say he is around 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 132 pounds. He also holds a USTA Professional 1 coaching certification.
Burzis Kanga’s Life and Career in 2026
Today, Burzis Kanga continues to be connected with tennis. He remains known as a skilled coach who has helped many players grow.
He lives a quiet life in New Orleans and focuses on his career instead of fame. His story is very different from the celebrity world that surrounds Hoda Kotb.
While many people first learned about him because of his marriage, Burzis Kanga created his own identity through sports, hard work, and dedication.
Final Thoughts
The story of Burzis Kanga is more than just a story about being Hoda Kotb’s former husband. It is the story of a man who followed his passion and built a meaningful career.
His marriage with Hoda was an important part of his life, but it does not define everything about him. His years in tennis show his true dedication and love for the sport.
Sometimes relationships do not last forever, but they can still teach valuable lessons. Today, both Burzis and Hoda have moved forward and created new chapters in their lives.
(FAQs)
What is Burzis Kanga known for in tennis?
Burzis Kanga is a professional tennis coach and former player. He played college tennis for the University of New Orleans and later became the head tennis coach there.
What happened between Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb?
Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb married in December 2005 and divorced in 2008. Their split happened during a difficult time when both faced personal challenges.
Does Burzis Kanga have any children?
Burzis Kanga does not have any known children. He and Hoda Kotb did not have kids during their marriage.
How old is Burzis Kanga and when is his birthday?
Burzis Kanga’s exact birthday is not publicly known. He is believed to have been born in the early 1960s, making him around his early 60s in 2026.
Is Burzis Kanga married today? Who is his wife?
Burzis Kanga is not known to be married today. His only widely known marriage was with Hoda Kotb, and he has kept his current personal life private.
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