In 1997, Deportes Quindío fans experienced perhaps their final moment of immense joy when the team achieved a miraculous rise to the top division of Colombian professional football.
The desire to return to the top level by 2025 remains strong among Deportes Quindío supporters.
Also read: With the new recruits, Deportes Quindío has launched its preparations for the pre-season.
On Wednesday January 8, the Cafe team prepares to celebrate its 74th anniversary, a date marked in its rich history within the country’s beloved sport, having won the championship title in 1956.
Although the team has a storied past, it has had more moments of darkness than glory. Nevertheless, she is not lacking in significant episodes which have been etched in the memory of her fans and historians.
However, the team’s current state is worrying, as they have only played in the top division for one half of the last decade—the second half of 2021. The rest of the time has been full of unfulfilled hopes , leading to disappointment among supporters and a complete disconnect between management and the community.
Read more:
Carbonero is getting closer to leaving Racing: Which club is moving forward with its transfer?
Despite this, a new era has begun under the leadership of Carlos Eduardo Velasco, the new coach. With a unique coaching staff including two assistant coaches, two strength and conditioning coaches and a video analyst—a real change from previous years—there is hope that promotion dreams can come to fruition.
Although there remains a bitter taste following the team’s recent performances and its declining significance in the Dimayor Tournament, January 8 will always remain a cherished date for those who wear the jersey and attend the stadium, as well as those who, outside the region, follow their beloved team.
Supporters are preparing to celebrate the 74th anniversary with a big march on Wednesday January 8, starting at 6 p.m. The event was announced by Artillería Verde Sur through their social networks. Participants will gather at Cafetero Park in Armenia and march along Street 26 to the La Cejita bridges, where there will be a break for what they call ‘the lighting of the carnival.’
Read more:
Statistics: What you need to know about Real Cartagena’s new signings
From there, they will continue along 19 Street heading south, with another stop at Ara, 30 Street, to cheer once again. The group will head to the Tres Esquinas Roundabout to gather more support.
Finally, they will return to the exterior of the Centenario Stadium to conclude the day with a spectacular show of fireworks and colors.
Participants are encouraged to wear clothing representing the miracle team, such as jerseys, hats, and even team-colored flags and umbrellas.
The team was founded by a group of prominent figures from the former Old Caldas region, who wanted to create a team representing the town and its surrounding areas.
Read more:
First Reinforcement for Central: Who is Juan Manuel Elordi, Racing’s Left Back Champion?
During the El Dorado era, a team was formed with players from the city of Rosario—from clubs like Atlanta, Tiro Federal, Newell’s Old Boys, and Rosario Central—that initially toured Colombia under the name Wanderers. After being bought from the Argentines for 50,000 pesos at the time, it became Deportes Quindío.
On Monday March 19, 1951, on the occasion of the feast of Saint Joseph, Deportes Quindío played its first home match in a venue transformed into a stadium in just 90 days, thanks to the efforts of the community. They faced Deportes Caldas, the defending champions, and won the match 3-1.
That day, at the San José Stadium, Roberto Segundo Urruti Barales, better known as ‘Benitín’ Urruti, a true relic of Quindian football, scored two goals, the third being signed by Mario Garelli.
Read more:
I will not waste the opportunity offered by INDES: Gerson López, national goalkeeper
After finishing fifth in 1951 and 1952, as well as second in 1953 and 1954, and a third place in 1955, the team finally won its first and only crown in its sixth year of footballing journey, being crowned champions of the Colombian Championship in 1956.
March 19, 1951 marked its inaugural match, a 3–1 victory over Deportes Caldas, the reigning national champions.
In 1956, they clinched their first and only title in Colombian football, accumulating 37 points and finishing above giants Millonarios. They remain the only champion team based in Armenia, which was not yet a capital city at the time.
In 1997, Deportes Quindío came close to reaching the grand final of Colombian football and qualifying for the Copa Libertadores, before seeing their dreams dashed against Atlético Bucaramanga. However, it was an unforgettable moment for the fans who felt immense pride at that moment.
Read more:
Foreign Footballer Confesses He Wants to Play for Santa Fe
In October 2001, Deportes Quindío made their return to elite football after a year of relegation.
On 3 August 2003, Iván René Valenciano became Colombian football’s all-time top scorer while representing the Café team, having scored two goals in a 3–1 victory over the Centauros.
In the first half of 2008, Deportes Quindío qualified for their first ever quadrangular semi-final, under the new rule having introduced two champions per year since 2002.
Guided by Fernando ‘Pecoso’ Castro, Deportes Quindío reached their second quadrangular semi-final in the second half of 2010, a memorable team known for their quality football.
