Coach Spotlight: Joseph Doe-Adjani
Introduction
From humble beginnings as a ball boy in Accra to coaching Ghana’s National Junior Tennis Team, Joseph Doe-Adjani has dedicated over three decades to developing tennis talent across West Africa. As an SPC member, Joseph is now looking to share his experience and passion on the global stage — connecting cultures through the sport he loves.
Q: It’s great to have you as our guest in our new series of ‘Coach Spotlights’! Please tell our readers a little about you and your career in tennis so far.
A: Good afternoon, Mark — thank you very much for the opportunity to be part of the “Coach Spotlights” series.
First of all, I want to thank you and your organisation for the amazing work you’re doing to connect coaches with global job opportunities. It’s an honour to be a member of this great community.
I am Ghanaian, from Accra, in West Africa — a country often called the gateway to the continent. While Ghana is best known for football, tennis has been growing steadily since the 1990s, with players like Frank Ofori, Kojo Atiso, Isaac Donkor, Emmanuel Padi, and Henry Adjei-Darko, who reached the world’s top 200.
My own tennis journey began in 1984, when I started as a ball boy at the Sunrise Hotel (now Alisa Hotel) in North Ridge, Accra. By 1989, while still in school, I had begun coaching — simply because I loved helping others learn the game. Watching players like John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, and Pete Sampras inspired me to play at a high level, and I learned many of my techniques from watching Sampras closely.
At one point, I lacked sponsorship to continue competing professionally, which led me fully into coaching — and I’ve never looked back. Coaching gives me joy, especially when I see my players grow into confident athletes.
Over the past 36 years, I’ve coached university teams such as University of Ghana, KNUST, and Ghana Armed Forces, and developed players who went on to represent the national team — including Robert Kpodo (now based in Canada) and Pascal Ziab. My son, Joseph Korku Doe-Adjani, also represented Ghana in ITF Juniors for U12, U14, and U16 categories.
On the court, I’ve had success too — winning several national and senior tournaments from 2011 to 2018, in both singles and doubles.
Q: Having been based mainly in Ghana, what can you tell us about the level of tennis and coaching there?
A: The standard of tennis in Ghana has grown significantly. We’ve produced world-ranked players, with the highest reaching the top 200 globally.
In coaching, the ITF has supported our development through training programmes. I hold ITF Level 1 (2012) and Level 2 (2016) certificates, as well as additional qualifications from ITF workshops in Togo (2011) and Turkey (2005). We currently have one coach in Ghana with an ITF Level 3 certificate, based at the ITF Centre in Tunisia.
Q: You joined the SPC platform to explore international opportunities. Why are you looking to move abroad at this stage of your career?
A: I’m seeking to move abroad for global exposure — to share my experience, learn from other cultures, and make a lasting impact through tennis. A change of environment will also allow me to grow personally and professionally while contributing to international tennis development.
Q: What do you consider your finest memory or achievement in tennis?
A: My proudest moment was being selected as Head Coach of Ghana’s National Junior Team in 2024 — a true honour and a way to give back to my country. I also take great pride in seeing my former players succeed around the world, from Canada to the UK and Europe.
Q: What qualities set you apart when applying for international roles?
A: With over 41 years of playing experience and 36 years of coaching, I bring deep technical knowledge and patience to every session. I’m easygoing, humorous, and value strong relationships on and off the court. My ability to connect with players of all ages helps me create a positive and motivating environment.
Q: Which regions can you see yourself coaching in the future?
A: I’d love to coach in the USA, UK, Europe, China, Dubai, or Canada — anywhere I can share my knowledge and be of service to the tennis community.
Quick-Fire Round 🎾
Female Grand Slam Winners 2026 Predictions:
▪️ Australian Open: Coco Gauff (USA)
▪️ French Open: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
▪️ Wimbledon: Coco Gauff (USA)
▪️ US Open: Iga Świątek (Poland)
Dream Coaching Destination: USA, UK, Canada, Europe, China, Dubai
Favourite Food: Rice and stew with fish
Motivational Quote: “Confidence is your most powerful weapon — make sure it’s your best friend.”
Favourite Sport (outside tennis): Football
Racket: Babolat
Favourite Music: Gospel
Sporting Heroes: Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner
Closing
Joseph Doe-Adjani’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose — a testament to how dedication can build opportunities for others. From ball boy to national coach, his legacy continues to inspire players across Ghana and beyond.
Inspired by Joseph’s story?
▪️ Explore tennis coaching jobs worldwide: www.sportsprosconnect.com/jobs/
▪️ Join SPC today and connect with our global network of coaches.
▪️ Follow Joseph on YouTube
▪️ Check out Joseph’s SPC profile here: https://sportsprosconnect.com/profiles/coachjoe/
