Christchurch teams are gearing up for the final match of the Southern League Football Tournament, with local powerhouses Coastal Spirit, Cashmere Technical and Christchurch United all chasing the top spots.
And as well as local bragging rights up for grabs, the league also serves as a pathway into New Zealand’s top football competition: the National League Championship.
As of this week, the top three scoring southern teams are Christchurch based. Coastal is currently the highest placing team, with Tech just one point behind.
Both are yet to play their final matches, which will take place on Sunday.
Tech still has a chance at placing first if Coastal takes a loss against Universities this weekend. United have a shot at qualifying if they win their next two games against Wanaka and Nelson Suburbs, but only if Tech and Coastal drop points.
The teams who place first and second in the regional tournament will then move onto the championship, competing for a national title.
Tech forward Lyle Matthysen said there is a buzz in the air at the club.
“The team is feeling confident going into the last game, hopefully we will be securing our national league spot.”
He also mentioned the overwhelming support coming from the football community.
“We have support from the junior teams all the way to the senior and social teams, the community is definitely here for us.”
