Caversham plays Nomads United and Roslyn-Wakari travels to play Nelson, in today's semifinals of the inaugural South Island Football Championship.
The best two teams from Otago playing against Mainland's top two sides is a small step towards restarting a combined competition regarded by many as vital for the development of football in both areas.
It is almost 30 years since the Southern League was split into two regional competitions.
The reason given at that time was a hike in petrol prices, but a strong Canterbury lobby also preferred playing locally.
In that last 10-team 1979 Southern League, Rangers edged out Caversham to earn promotion into the national league.
Caversham coach Steve Fleming was a young player at that time and, when the split took place in 1980, he became a Dunedin Technical player alongside the likes of Marc Chidley, Barry Johnston and Barry White, finishing second to Caversham in the south zone of the Hertz League.
Dunedin City finished sixth that year in the national league under coaches Mitch Goodall, Alan A'Court and Wally Hughes.
Fleming is keen to re-establish regular contact with Canterbury and Nelson.
He realises a good showing in today's match at the Caledonian Ground will help to convince doubters.
Fleming travelled to Christchurch to watch Nomads, which finished second in the Mainland League, and is confident his side can earn a win to bring the SIFC final to Carisbrook next week.
"We have won the southern championship, and our team is keen to show their quality, and do well against Keith Braithwaite's side," he said.
Roslyn-Wakari is no less confident despite facing an arduous journey today flying north to play the undefeated Mainland champion Nelson Suburbs at Saxton Field.
As a former Nelson player himself, player-coach Terry Boylan realises the task Roslyn faces against coach John Brydon's side bolstered this year by importing three Solomon Island internationals.
"At home, Nelson is a stronghold of football, with a great tradition in national league, Chatham Cup and regional competitions," Boylan said.
An unbeaten record, plus 62 goals for and only 10 goals conceded all season, confirms the present Nelson side's pedigree.
Despite the absence of the injured Mike Eisenhut and John O'Driscoll, Boylan is confident his young side is capable of getting a result.
Boylan aims to shackle key Nelson players Kidston Billy, Joses Nawo and Sam Ayers but "we will adopt our usual attacking attitude and aim to score first," he said.
Also being played today at noon at De Carle Park is the final of the Soccersouth knockout competition featuring reserve sides from Caversham and Roslyn.
