Rising star Hashten-Lee Gertse has been recalled to join Real Oviedo in Spain after an impressive spell with the La Liga side.
Image: Supplied
"I want this to be proof that no matter where you come from, if you believe in yourself and stay committed, the world will start to believe in you too."
These are the words of one of Hangberg's brightest football talents, Hashten-Lee Gertse, 18, who has just taken a step closer to becoming the star he hopes to be.
Gertse attended Ambleside School of Hout Bay for his entire schooling career and this is where the dream all started.
He first kicked a ball for his school team at a young age before deciding to join the Dash Leopards from Hout Bay, where he spent two years before moving to Hout Bay United.
“I was 15 at the time. I quickly noticed the level I needed to be at to improve and progress within the club. At the age of 16, I was already playing with the under-18s,” he proudly said.
Gertse’s biggest achievement so far came when he was selected at a trial to go and play football in Italy as part of an under-21 team that was composed of players from all over Cape Town ("Reaching for the stars", Sentinel News, July 1, 2021).
He hopes to achieve his dream of becoming a professional football player and has set his sights on playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe and around the world.
Gertse received an opportunity to join Real Oviedo in the Spanish La Liga on trial last year and the bright star managed to impress.
"Being called back is a moment I’ll never forget. It’s a mix of excitement, gratitude, and responsibility. For me, this isn’t just about football it’s about everything I’ve worked for since I was a kid. I’ve faced setbacks, injuries, and moments where it felt like things wouldn’t go my way, but I never gave up. This call-back is a reward for that fight," said Gertse.
Hashten-Lee Gertse busy playing for spanish side, Real Oviedo. He impressed during the trial and earned himself a call back.
Image: Supplied
More than that, Gertse said, "It’s a step forward not just for me, but for my family and my community.
"I come from a place where dreams like this feel far away, where a lot of people don’t get opportunities like this. So when I step on that field, I carry them with me."
His proud mother, Patience Gertse, added: "Watching Hashten‑Lee earn that call back to Real Oviedo fills me with so much joy and pride.
"From the moment he kicked his first ball in Cape Town, I knew he had something special but seeing him turn that talent into real progress overseas is beyond my hopes. I expect him to stay humble, to look after his body and his mind, and to remember where he comes from."
Gertse left for Spain last year, on May 5, to attend the trial with Real Oviedo and spent two weeks with the professional Spanish club, training, learning, and adapting to the environment.
"It was a huge step for me, not just as a footballer, but as a person." he said
"During that time, I gave everything, I pushed myself every day, stayed focused, and tried to soak in as much as I could."
After returning home, he was contacted by the club again asking him to return for longer and a more advanced trial.
"That call meant everything," he said.
Gertse also earned a soccer scholarship through Droom International Football Academy based in Atlanta, America, a few years ago, where he managed to get spotted.
Now his family is pulling together once again to raise the funds needed to get him back to Spain to continue his mission.
"This is only the beginning, but I’m ready for it. I’m going to give it everything I have, because this chance could change everything," Gertse said.
To help Hashten get one step closer to his dream, call his mother, Patience Gertse, on 078 573 4030.