University of New Orleans athletics director Jim Miller has announced the hiring of former Privateers tennis standout Burzis Kanga (UNO '84) to lead the men's and women's tennis programs. The hiring is subject to the approval of the Louisiana State Board of Supervisors.

"Burzis Kanga is one of New Orleans' more respected tennis coaches," Miller said in making the announcement. "Other than his well-documented ability as a teacher, Burzis gives our program the competitive passion that only a former UNO student-athlete could provide."

Kanga returns to the Privateers athletics staff after 13 years coaching and teaching privately. Currently the Director of Tennis and Head Tennis Professional at Chateau Golf and Country Club, Kanga played at UNO from 1980-1983 where he recorded an 81-9 mark and achieved All-American honors as a senior. He was ranked as the top player in Louisiana for the under-21 age group and was invited to try out for India's Davis Cup team in 1982. He also played professionally on the Satellite Circuit.

Kanga was hired to lead the UNO men's team starting with the 1982-83 season. In his four seasons, the Privateers won over 50 matches, including a career-best 19 in 1986.

A native of Tanzania in East Africa, Kanga brought the 1988 Virginia Slims of New Orleans tournament to Chateau as well as organizing the annual Inter Club City-Wide Tennis Championship from 1992-2000. The event raised funds for several non-profit cancer organizations nationwide.

A long-time Board Member of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Burzis served as the Sports Commissioner for Tennis for the 1996 AAU Junior Olympic Games.