A derby with a difference: Dynamos, CAPS renew rivalry in potentially explosive showdown

The question of whether Harare is blue or green will be asked and answered once again, when Dynamos and CAPS United renew their rivalry at Rufaro Stadium this Sunday.

For the last five or so years, some football fans have understandably argued that the Harare derby has lost its flare, because when the two rivals met in previous meetings during the aforementioned period, they would both be in the relegation matrix.

Dynamos survived relegation by a whisker last year, with CAPS also in the matrix for most of the season after replacing Lloyd Chitembwe with Ian Bakala.

But this time, it’s a totally different story.

CAPS have had a brilliant start to the season under their former player Takesure Chiragwi and currently sit on top 10 match days into the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

Despite losing two games already, the Green Machine is still leading the race and understandably, the green half of Harare is buzzing with excitement over the prospect of CAPS finally winning the title, something they last managed to do 10 years ago.

Standing in their way though, is a Dynamos side determined to beat their crosstown rivals.

It’s more than three points and bragging rights on offer.

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo, is his eagerly anticipated and well-watched interview on Capitalk 104 FM earlier this week, promised DeMbare a new luxury coach if they beat CAPS in the derby on Sunday.

A bus will be an extra motivation for anyone associated with DeMbare, as the club is still using the same one they were using when they last won the title in 2014.

But CAPS president Farai Jere is not losing sleep over the bus pledge.

He has simply doubled winning bonuses for the eagerly-awaited clash.

CAPS player will pocket US$1000 if they beat Dynamos in the derby.

Interestingly, if CAPS lose to DeMbare, they might actually lose top spot for the first time this season.