The build-up is over, the day is finally here.
After months of preparation, the Southern Football League begins today.
Queenstown FC — one of the three southern qualifiers — kicks off proceedings today in Christchurch against Cashmere Technical.
Southern fans will get their first taste of action tomorrow, when Dunedin Technical hosts Southland United at the Caledonian Ground.
In the other two match-ups, Ferrymead Bays plays Nomads United and Nelson Suburbs hosts Coastal Spirit.
Southern premiership champion Dunedin Tech will probably be among the contenders.Alongside a handy young core, it made four key signings last weekend.
They came in Southern United’s Irish contingent of Conor O’Keeffe, Stephen Last, Danny Ledwith and Garbhan Coughlan.
Tim McLennan — the golden boot from the Football South premiership — adds goal-scoring ability, while experienced midfielder Andy Coburn will also be key.
Coach Tony Martin said the side was eager to get started and he was expecting a high level of football.
"It will certainly be a lift in intensity and a lift in the level of competition," he said.
"We’re looking forward to that because it’s an opportunity to make ourselves better."
Looking to upset Tech’s start is Southland United. In just its second year as a club, it claimed a spot in the league after a close race for the top three.
Coach Luis Pavia said the side had experienced some player turnover midway through the season, but had adapted well.
Hayato Wakina would be among its key players. In his second year with the club, the Japanese striker is capable of being creative and can turn a tight game.
He also brings national league experience, having played for Hawke’s Bay United.
Other key players would be James Tucker, who is back from Austria, and Bob Cox, who has developed this year and put in some strong performances.
"We don’t have much pressure," Pavia said.
"It’s our second year as a club. It was really good to qualify for the South Island league in our second year.
"Now we want to play well, we want to be known as a team who offers some good performances, we want the players to enjoy this opportunity. But we have no pressure to win the South Island league this year."
Queenstown’s trip to Christchurch to play Cashmere Tech gives it arguably the toughest start of any team.
However, coach Jamie Whitmarsh hopes to make that a positive by using it to gauge the standard.
The side was the pick of the teams in the Football South league for the first half of the competition, before losing its way towards the end.
However, it rallied to beat Dunedin Tech in its final game to qualify for the Southern League.
The travel factor might not have much effect, the team being used to travelling. Games are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays until the season’s end on September 2.
