Independent Santa Fe is at a crucial moment in its recent sporting history, with the return of the grand final of the Betplay League 2024-I against Atlético Bucaramanga. The Bogotá team seeks to overcome the 1-0 loss suffered in the first leg, played in Santander territory, where a goal by Fredy Hinestroza in the 68th minute defined the narrow defeat.
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The series, however, remains open, and next June 15 at 7:30 pm at the Nemesio Camacho El Campín Stadiumthose led by Pablo Peirano hope to reverse the score in front of their fans.
The challenge is huge, but not impossible. With more than 25,000 spectators cheering in Bucaramanga, the team led by Rafael Dudamel achieved a minimal but significant advantage. Santa Fe, for its part, is confident in its home ability to come back and thus achieve its tenth star in Colombian soccer. If achieved, this victory would not only mean a milestone in their history, but would also ensure them a place in next year’s international tournaments.
While the team prepares for this important duel, the board of directors Santa Fe is also looking to the future. Regardless of the result in the final, the club is already planning its strategy for the second half of the year and the 2025 season, with the aim of maintaining a competitive squad and aspiring to great things on the national and international stages.
The future of Rodallega
One of the biggest unknowns in this planning is the continuity of its captain and scorer. Hugo Rodallega. The veteran forward, who recently arrived at the institution, has quickly earned the affection and respect of the ‘Cardinals’ fans. With 11 goals this semester, Rodallega has been a key piece for the team and is one goal away from winning the golden boot of the Betplay League.
The contract of Rodallega with Santa Fe ends in December of this year, which has generated speculation about its future. However, Eduardo Méndez, president of the club, has given statements that shed light on the situation.
“I am talking to him and he will surely finish his career here and then he will collaborate with us in the minor divisions and everything. It is what I have been looking for,” commented Méndez in one of his recent interviews with the media. These words not only reflect the club’s desire to retain Rodallega, but also the intention to integrate him long-term into the team structure.
Méndez confirmed that talks are already taking place with the footballer to expand their contractual relationship. The intention is to ensure his permanence for several more seasons, which would not only benefit Santa Fe in the short term, but would also serve to ward off interest from other Colombian clubs that have shown a desire to sign the goalscorer. The renewal of Rodallega would be a great step to consolidate a sports project that not only seeks immediate triumphs, but also stability and growth in the future.
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While Santa Fe gets ready to face Bucaramanga in the final, the club is working in parallel to ensure the continuity of one of its greatest references. The possible renewal of Hugo Rodallega would not only keep a quality scorer in its rankss, but it would also strengthen the relationship between the player and the club, guaranteeing his influence on both the present and the future of the team. The Santa Fe board, headed by Eduardo Méndez, is clearly committed to building a solid and competitive project, with a view to continuing to achieve success in the coming years.
