Head Coach

Werner is the Head Coach, Owner and Director of WJ Sport (Vaal Triangle, Hartbeespoort and Potchefstroom), WJ Sport Cricket Academy and Learn to Serve.

It's been 16 years since the dream of owning and opening a full-time tennis academy became a reality for Werner Joubert. As head coach he brings over 16 years of coaching experience to Werner Joubert Tennis Academy (WJTA).

Werner matriculated at Sasolburg High School in 2005 and started coaching in 2006 at TNT Sports Management. He then started his own tennis academy, WJ Sport—better known as the Werner Joubert Tennis Academy—two years later, in June 2008.

“My heart is in tennis, and my passion is tennis; I love the sport and enjoy seeing players improve and develop different skills every single day. I also appreciate the business aspect of it all. I am always looking for new opportunities within the tennis and sports environment. I work most efficiently when I am under pressure.” Werner Joubert has a wealth of teaching and playing experience. Growing up in Sasolburg in the Free State, he worked his way through university (NWU) where he earned his Bachelor of Theology, BTH (HONS) degree with an interdisciplinary concentration in Pastoral Counselling and an emphasis on sport pressure coming from parents. Werner assists the players on a day-to-day basis with developing their tennis foundations, proper footwork, and game-winning strategy.

“I knew that I was called to study to become a pastor. While coaching, I started studying as a telematic student at the Theology campus at NWU Potchefstroom. During that time, I started my own tennis academy, finished my degree in Theology and Honours in Pastoral Counselling, and started building on the Academy. The Academy has six full-time successful, driven, active coaches with a love for the sport and more than 200 players joining and attending the Academy every year. My heart is tennis, and my passion is tennis; I love the sport and love seeing players improve and develop different skills every single day.”

“I enjoy working with players of all ages. During my 18 years of coaching, I’ve realized that my role as a coach is not only about teaching the sport but also about developing, mentoring, guiding, and coaching players as individuals throughout their school careers. I firmly believe that I fulfill my calling every day by working with young individuals on the tennis court.”

“I married the love of my life, Christine Joubert, in 2010, and we have two lovely kids whom I love dearly: Janelie (10) and Estian (7). Relationships are important to me, whether with my wife, my children, friends, the tennis players we coach, the Academy’s coaches, or parents.”

WJ Sport Vaal – Mini Tennis and NetFit

Christelle has a great amount of teaching experience and has been at the academy for more than 6 years. She studied Human Movement Science and Psychology at North West University in Potchefstroom. Christelle’s qualifications include the TSA Play Tennis Course, as well as First Aid Level 1. Her speciality coaching focuses on pre-primary children wanting to experience the joy of tennis.

Christelle grew up on a farm in the Koppies/Parys district and spent her primary school years at Sarel Cilliers in Koppies and her high school years at Hoërskool Heilbron. After school, she earned her degree in Social Work and Psychology from NWU Potchefstroom. In 2023, Christelle obtained her diploma in Pre- and Postnatal Exercise.

In 2015, Christelle married Dolf. They have two children, RC (7) and Nelene (5), both of whom are currently receiving tennis coaching at the Academy.

Christelle has been part of the WJTA team for 12 years. She is responsible for the Mini Tennis program, which plays a significant role in the Academy's success. This program focuses on tennis coaching and developing hand-eye coordination and ball skills for pre-schoolers at kindergartens in the Vaal Triangle. Christelle will also oversee the NetFit program starting in July 2024.

“Tennis has been a big part of my life since I was little. My mother still plays tennis four times a week. I grew up beside the tennis court as a baby. I played tennis throughout my school years and during my studies at NWU.”

“I believe God placed me exactly where I would flourish. I enjoy working with younger players, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth and progress over the course of a year. It brings me joy to witness the happiness, excitement, and self-confidence on each player’s face. Sharing my love and passion with young players and instilling that same passion in them makes my heart happy. The relationships I build with players are very important to me.”

“I enjoy the little things in life, as well as coffee! I’m a spontaneous person and laugh easily. I cherish time spent with my family and good friends. Relationships are very important to me.”

Christelle enjoys running, particularly 10km races and half marathons. Next year will be her 9th time participating in the Two Oceans Marathon.

WJ Sport Vaal / Potchefstroom

Janus grew up in Parys. He attended HF Verwoerd Primary School and Hoërskool Parys.

“I was 6 years old when my uncle (who is also a tennis coach) gave me my first tennis racket. From that day on, I’ve been running after that yellow ball!”

Janus has been playing tennis for 21 years, with the last 8 years spent as a coach. His coaching journey began when he was 19 at Central Tennis Academy in Bloemfontein. He worked there for 5 years, where he was involved with tennis programs at schools like Eunice, St Andrews, Fichardtpark High School, and Willem Postma.

Janus has been part of the WJTA team for 3 years, coaching in and around the Vaal Triangle and in Parys. In February 2024, the Academy had the opportunity to start coaching at Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom. Janus is currently in Potch twice a week to help establish the Academy there. He has also recently started at Baillie Park Primary School.

“I’m not married and consider my two dogs as my kids. I have a good sense of humor, and I love making others laugh.”

“The best part of my job is the role I play in my players’ lives. I win when my players’ characters grow. I’m passionate about everything I do, but if I had to choose, I’d say my greatest passion is tennis.”

“In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and golf. I love the outdoors and frequently engage in activities like rock climbing, white-water kayaking, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and mountain climbing.”

WJ Sport Vaal / Parys

“I am a dynamic person with a background in both engineering and sports. As a qualified machinist, I gained valuable experience at an engineering company in Vereeniging.”

Clinton’s love for sports has been a constant since his primary school days at Fonteine Primary, which he continued at Sasolburg High School.

He has been married to Caitlyn since 2023. Caitlyn is a teacher at Sasolburg High School. They share their home with four beloved pets: two dogs, Roxy and Bella, and two cats, Mila and Luna.

“Although we don’t have children yet, our four-legged kids bring a lot of joy to our home.”

Clinton’s great sense of humor keeps things lively!

“I find joy in everyday jokes. My love for an active lifestyle is evident in my work as a tennis coach. I enjoy working with children and honing their skills on the court.”

Clinton has been involved in coaching at the Academy since the beginning of 2024. He gives weekly lessons at Sasolburg High School, Vaalpark Primary, Laerskool Emfulenipark, Hoërskool Transvalia, and the Parys Tennis Club.

“My passion for sports drives my coaching, and I look forward to shaping young tennis talent in the years to come. I’m never someone who sits still! My energetic approach to life keeps me motivated and ready for new challenges.”

WJ Sport Vaal – Learn to Serve candidate 2024

JTJ started at the Academy as an intern at the beginning of the year. He has also enrolled in the Learn to Serve program facilitated by the Academy.

TJ has been playing tennis for the past 13 years, receiving all his high school coaching at the Academy. Although he was homeschooled, he was part of the Sasolburg High School tennis team.

“As a dedicated tennis coach, I strive to create a supportive environment that encourages players to reach their full potential. My coaching philosophy emphasizes technical development, mental toughness, and a lifelong passion for the sport.”

“Outside of tennis, I enjoy spending time with loved ones. I find joy in everyday moments.”

“My goal is to inspire tennis enthusiasts and help them develop to the best of their abilities! Moreover, I aim to cultivate a lifelong love for the game in every player!”

WJ Sport Harties – Learn to Serve candidate 2023

Cee-Jay joined the Academy right after finishing school and began his coaching career in tennis. He completed the Academy's Learn to Serve program as an intern coach in 2023!

For the past two years, Cee-Jay has been coaching at the Academy. At the beginning of 2024, he seized the opportunity to be part of the building and growth process of the Academy's Harties (Hartbeespoortdam) branch, continuing his coaching there! He has also taken on the position of head coach at the Harties branch.

“I’ve been playing tennis since I was 8 years old.”

Cee-Jay attended Vaalpark Primary School and completed his high school career at Sasolburg High School. He wasn’t just a dedicated tennis player; he also played cricket and rugby well.

“One thing that makes me laugh a lot is when players feel so comfortable on the court that they can just be themselves, make jokes, and make me laugh! For example, I have a player who sometimes just starts singing out of the blue.”

“It brings me joy and fulfillment when I arrive at the courts, set up the court, and unpack cones for the day’s drills. The excitement on the players' faces when they arrive for their lesson is always delightful for me!”

“I feel that part of my calling is to make a difference in players’ lives on the court, but also in other areas off the court. I want to bring out the best in every player and go “above and beyond” regarding coaching and my responsibilities within the Academy. Good and healthy relationships with players, parents, and other coaches at the Academy are very important to me!”

Cee-Jay is also currently the Academy's Padel coach in Harties and is heavily involved with Padel Park Hartbeespoortdam.