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Independiente Santa Fe will kick off its journey in Liga BetPlay 2026 on the evening of January 18, facing Águilas Doradas at El Campín stadium. The Bogotá team aims for its first victory with its fans, eagerly anticipating the performance of new signings like Edwin “Shirra” Mosquera, who joins after his tenure at Millonarios.
Recently, the Cardenal officially confirmed Mosquera’s arrival at the Bogotá institution following an agreement with Atlanta United regarding the permanent acquisition of his playing rights.
The striker’s contract spans four years, showcasing the club’s confidence in his potential for national and international challenges.
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Mosquera, 24, has international experience. He has played for Juventude in Brazil, Aldosivi in Argentina, and Atlanta United in the United States before returning to Colombian football, where he donned the Millonarios jersey in the 2025 season. Although he did not register goals or assists during his time with the Embajadores in 17 games, the leadership and coaching staff at his new club bet on his skills and capacity to reinvent himself.
Uruguayan coach Pablo Repetto, who leads the new project, explained the rationale behind the signing: “Last semester wasn’t the best for him, but we know him, we’ve evaluated him, and we believe in his potential. We didn’t sign him for what he did recently, but for what he can show again.”
The coach emphasized that players like “Shirra” are rarely available in the market and believes his contribution will be crucial for Santa Fe’s offense, which will be spearheaded by Hugo Rodallega.
Some supporters have expressed doubts regarding their new winger’s performance, partly due to his recent past at the albiazul team and his low statistical impact in the last season. However, goal-scoring reference Rodallega came forward to support the new addition.
“I find it amusing. It’s not just about Mosquera or Helibelton Palacios, who also came from there. How many players have moved from Millonarios to Santa Fe and have succeeded? I know players who wore both jerseys and won titles. We need to wait, give them the opportunity, and I imagine they come with the intent to contribute, perform, and play their football,” stated “Rodagol” in a conversation with Deportes RCN.
The arrival of the new forward coincides with a moment of optimism for Santa Fe, which secured its championship in the first half of 2025 after defeating Independiente Medellín, thus ensuring direct entry into the group stage of the Copa Libertadores 2026. For now, the club awaits the draw that will determine its opponents in the international tournament, while the coaching staff begins planning for both competitions.
Edwin’s adaptation to Bogotá’s altitude shouldn’t pose a challenge, as he has played matches in the capital and at El Campín, easing his transition into the Cardenal squad. After passing medical exams and signing his contract, the winger is cleared and included in the lineup for the match against Águilas Doradas.
The competition in Liga BetPlay 2026 presents Santa Fe with the challenge of maintaining its foothold in Colombian football and establishing a squad capable of competing internationally. Repetto’s project, supported by director Eduardo Méndez, emphasizes strengthening the squad and leveraging the momentum generated by Libertadores qualification.
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