The whole justification for South City Royals was, I assume, the two best clubs in Dunners joining forces to be a real force at National level. Given that, I'm really holding out until they play Cashmere or Coastal to see how this league is going to shape up. If they don't make the National round will there be pressure on the merger?
I don't think so, winning the Southern Premiership is already a good sign for the future of the club. National League is the goal for sure but there's respect for how difficult the Mainland teams will be to beat and there isn't any short-term pressure for immediate success.
In terms of competing at the National League level , the Royals have a 3-5 year plan for this to come to fruition , Stage 1 merge the 2 teams and create a team environment which will competitive , Stage 2 win the Southern Premiership , Stage 3 Qualify and compete in the South Island League and continue to grow and develop players for that level of football , Stage 4 Consistently be in the top 3-4 and earn the right to play National League.