Have you ever wondered who Hoda Kotb’s first husband was? Hoda is a beloved TV personality, but her ex-husband, Burzis Kanga, has always kept a low profile. He’s not a celebrity or TV star, but his life has been tied to tennis and a brief time in the spotlight due to his marriage to Hoda.
In this article, we’re going to explore Burzis Kanga’s life story. We’ll dive into his early years, his career as a tennis coach, and what happened during his marriage to Hoda Kotb. You’ll also learn where Burzis is today and what he’s up to now. Let’s get started!
Burzis Kanga Quick Bio
| Full Name | Burzis Kanga |
| Known For | Tennis Coach, Hoda Kotb’s Ex-Husband |
| Age | Early 1960s (Exact birthday unknown) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (approx.) |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| Career | Tennis Coach at University of New Orleans |
| Ethnicity | Tanzanian-Egyptian |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Hoda Kotb) |
| Marriage Duration | 2005 – 2008 |
| Current Location | New Orleans, USA |
Who Is Burzis Kanga?
Burzis Kanga might not be a household name, but he’s had an interesting life. He’s known for being the ex-husband of Hoda Kotb, but before that, he built a solid career as a tennis coach.
Burzis has always lived a private life, far from the fame and attention that his former wife enjoys. He’s a man who values his privacy and prefers to stay out of the public eye. But through his work as a coach and his short marriage to Hoda, many people have become curious about him. So, who exactly is Burzis Kanga?
Burzis Kanga’s Early Life
Burzis Kanga was born in the early 1960s in the United States. While many details about his early life are kept private, it’s believed that he has Tanzanian-Egyptian roots. His love for sports started at a young age, and tennis quickly became his passion.
As a child, Burzis spent a lot of time on the tennis courts, honing his skills. He wasn’t just passionate about the sport — he was also very good at it. His talent and dedication earned him a place on his college tennis team, where he would go on to make a name for himself.
Tennis: Burzis Kanga’s True Passion
Tennis wasn’t just a hobby for Burzis; it was his way of life. He played for the University of New Orleans (UNO) from 1980 to 1983, becoming one of their top players. During his senior year, he achieved an 81–9 record, which is an impressive feat in college tennis. His success didn’t stop there — Burzis was even named an All-American, an honor given to only a select few players.
After college, Burzis didn’t stop. He continued to play professionally in Mexico, the United States, and Europe, competing in satellite tennis tours. These tours were smaller tournaments where rising stars could compete and build their careers. Burzis’ passion for tennis took him far, and he became well-known in the tennis world for his skill and dedication to the game.
Burzis Kanga as a Tennis Coach
After years of playing tennis, Burzis transitioned into coaching. This shift came naturally to him, as he had a deep understanding of the game and a desire to help others improve.
Burzis became the head tennis coach at the University of New Orleans, where he had once played. He coached both the men’s and women’s teams, guiding many talented players to success. Over time, Burzis gained recognition for his ability to teach and mentor. His USTA Professional 1 certification also showed that he was highly skilled and respected as a coach.
Despite his success as a coach, Burzis remained humble and kept a low profile, preferring to stay out of the media. He wasn’t in it for the fame; he was in it for the love of the game.
The Relationship Between Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb
Burzis’ life would take a new turn when he met Hoda Kotb in 1994. They met at a Valentine’s Day charity event hosted by the American Heart Association in New Orleans. At the time, Hoda was a news anchor, and Burzis was focused on his career as a tennis coach.
The two hit it off and began dating. Their relationship wasn’t always smooth, but they kept in touch over the years. Eventually, they grew serious, and in May 2005, Burzis proposed to Hoda during a horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park. It was a sweet and simple moment, and Hoda said yes.
The Wedding of Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb
Burzis and Hoda’s wedding took place in December 2005 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The ceremony was a small, intimate affair. Hoda later described it as “a vacation with a wedding thrown in on a Saturday,” capturing the relaxed vibe of their celebration.
At the time, Hoda felt excited and happy about starting this new chapter with Burzis. She even shared in interviews how much she enjoyed being married and how she felt “honest” about the commitment. It seemed like the perfect beginning to a life together.
What Went Wrong in Their Marriage
Sadly, their marriage didn’t last. A few months after their wedding, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, and Burzis lost his apartment. He moved to New York City to be with Hoda, who was now working at NBC. But adjusting to life in New York wasn’t easy for him.
Burzis had always lived in New Orleans and found it difficult to settle into the fast-paced, busy lifestyle of the big city. Despite Hoda trying to make things work, both of them started feeling that something wasn’t right. There wasn’t major fighting, but there was emotional distance. It just didn’t feel like the love they both had hoped for.
Burzis Kanga’s Divorce From Hoda Kotb
In February 2008, Burzis and Hoda filed for divorce. Their marriage lasted just over two years. It was a difficult time for both of them, as Hoda was also battling breast cancer while Burzis was dealing with his father’s illness. The stress of those personal struggles, combined with their emotional distance, made it hard for their marriage to survive.
Despite the divorce, both Burzis and Hoda have spoken kindly about each other. In interviews, Burzis admitted that he made some mistakes during their marriage, and he acknowledged that he was “immature” at the time. He also praised Hoda, calling her “the epitome of class” and reflecting on the sweet memories they shared together.
Life After Hoda Kotb
After his divorce from Hoda Kotb, Burzis Kanga decided to return to New Orleans, where he felt most at home. He focused on what he knew best: coaching tennis. Burzis continued working as the head tennis coach at the University of New Orleans. He also kept a very private life, far from the spotlight.
Burzis has always preferred to stay out of the media, and this hasn’t changed. He keeps his personal life low-key and does not have any public social media accounts. There are some fake accounts online, but Burzis himself avoids any online presence. Instead, he focuses on his students and his career, enjoying the quiet life he values so much.
Burzis Kanga’s Net Worth and Career Achievements
Burzis Kanga has built a solid career in tennis, both as a player and a coach. His career as a tennis coach has earned him respect and recognition in the sports community, even though he keeps out of the public eye.
It’s estimated that Burzis’ net worth is around $1 million. Much of this comes from his long career as a tennis coach. He also earns a steady income from his position at the University of New Orleans. His work as a coach has allowed him to live comfortably, while keeping his private life away from the media’s attention.
The Private Life of Burzis Kanga
Unlike many in the public eye, Burzis has kept a very private lifestyle. Even though his name is often mentioned because of his marriage to Hoda Kotb, Burzis chooses to stay out of the spotlight. He doesn’t share personal details with the public and doesn’t use social media.
This privacy is a big part of who Burzis is. He values his peace and privacy, which has allowed him to lead a fulfilling career in tennis while avoiding unnecessary drama. He still lives in New Orleans, enjoying the things he loves, like coaching and staying connected to his tennis community.
Conclusion
Burzis Kanga’s story is a reminder that not all journeys are about fame and public attention. He built a successful career as a tennis coach and continues to do what he loves in his hometown of New Orleans. His marriage to Hoda Kotb might have been brief, but it was a significant chapter in his life. Even after their divorce, Burzis has stayed focused on what makes him happy — coaching tennis and leading a private life.
Although Burzis may not seek the spotlight, his dedication to tennis and his positive impact on others is something worth celebrating. He’s proof that you can find success and happiness without the need for fame.
(FAQs)
How old is Burzis Kanga? When is his birthday?
Burzis Kanga was born in the early 1960s, but we don’t know his exact birthday because he keeps it private.
Was Burzis Kanga married?
Yes, Burzis Kanga was married to Hoda Kotb in 2005, but they divorced in 2008 after just a few years.
What is Burzis Kanga’s net worth?
Burzis Kanga’s net worth is about $1 million, earned from his work as a tennis coach.
What is Burzis Kanga’s ethnicity?
Burzis Kanga is of Tanzanian-Egyptian descent, which gives him a unique background.
What is Burzis Kanga’s religion?
Burzis has never talked about his religion, so it remains unknown.
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