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to the City of Kings when they clash at Barbourfields on Sunday.
It is a high stakes game with Dynamos sensing yet another double as they also have the advantage in the race for the Premiership title.
The Glamour Boys believe that clearing the Green Machine hurdle will all but help them put one hand on the most lucrative cup in domestic football.
But form barely counts for much whenever these passionately followed old foes clash.
The DeMbare against CAPS United showdown will be preceded by another semi-final pitting FC Platinum against the team whose passing game has taken the top-flight league by storm — Monomotapa — at Sakubva on Saturday. 
CAPS United will be hoping for third time luck as they have recently come second best in their league meetings against a team they regard as the real enemy.
In the first meeting at Rufaro this season, Tawanda Muparati’s lone strike made the difference while goals from Farai Mupasiri, Guthrie Zhokinyi and Cliff Sekete earning DeMbare maximum points in the reverse fixture.
Dynamos’ man of all occasions Murape Murape is so eager for yet another Mbada Diamonds Cup gold medal and reckoned that it would actually be “third time unlucky for CAPS United’’.
Murape might have been reduced to some cameo roles in most assignments having to come off the bench but his significance in the Dynamos outfit and the impact he makes on the younger players in the side can never be doubted.
Just last Sunday when Dynamos were crying out for leadership on the pitch after being forced to play second fiddle to Monomotapa, Murape arrived and helped swing the pendulum in the Glamour Boys’ favour.
Yesterday Murape, gifted with a brave heart that helps him defy many odds challenged his teammates to show tenacity as they search for another double at the end of this season.
“There is no pressure at all for us as we chase the Mbada Cup while at the same time we hunt the league championship.
“We did it last year when we managed to win both the league and the Mbada Cup. So we want to beat CAPS United and progress to the final because we are the defending champions,” said Murape.
Dynamos players, Murape said, derive extra motivation when playing against the Green Machine.
“I think playing CAPS United gives us an extra motivation. They are our number one enemy and we enjoy defeating them.
“Whenever, we play CAPS United, we are highly motivated. Even if we are to put a box of matches at stake, the match would remain such a gruelling encounter for both teams. Everyone wants to win and it’s going to be a big game that is like a final before the final,” Murape said.
At this semi-final stage of the knockout tournament last season, Dynamos edged FC Platinum at Barbourfields with Cuthbert Malajila scoring late in the second half.
“We are playing at a neutral venue but it remains a derby. Both CAPS United and Dynamos are based in Harare but would be playing in Bulawayo,” said Murape.
While Dynamos command a decent following around the country, CAPS United could form an alliance with Highlanders fans on Sunday.
Highlanders, who have been booted out of the competition by Monomotapa, are the only club still with a strong chance to deny DeMbare back to back league titles.
The match will also be a sentimental homecoming for CAPS United acting coach and former Bosso mentor Mkhupali Masuku.
Yesterday, Dynamos players showed their determination as they went through their paces at Gwanzura while anchorman Devon Chafa remained sidelined.
Chafa was injured on his mouth during the clash against Highlanders and has missed games against Black Mambas and Monomotapa.
In his absence coach Callisto Pasuwa has juggled with Timire Mamvura and Thomas Magorimbo as the holding midfielders.
Murape said the season had now reached the delicate stage and reckoned that “it’s only for Dynamos to lose the trophies.
“I think what is important at this stage of the season is to focus on the prizes we are aiming to win. We have worked hard enough to be champions in the league and in this cup.
“So I think we need to remain focussed and concentrate. There should be no room for players to seek any personal glory.
“We should work as a team and work for each other. If we do that the league and the Mbada Cup are there for us to take. It’s also up to us to lose,” Murape said.
While the veteran Dynamos midfielder is confident of another DeMbare party at Barbourfields, CAPS United goalkeeper Itai Chiwara feels the underdog tag will suit them just fine.
Chiwara who has done well since taking over as the first choice goalkeeper at CAPS United said it was important that Makepekepe play a passing game if they are to unnerve Dynamos.
“We are going there as underdogs and we are not under any pressure . . . this game will just like be any other we have played against Dynamos.
“For us to have a chance of dominating it, we need to play a passing game because that is where our strength lies,’’ Chiwara said.
Chiwara also said the Mbada Cup offered them a last chance to atone for their failure to challenge for league honours this year.
“It (the game) means a lot to us besides the money that winning the Mbada Cup brings. It offers us a chance to play in Africa in the Confederation Cup and showcase our talents,’’ Chiwara said.
Many neutrals also believe that the local game’s standards would continue to rise if such giants like CAPS United, Dynamos and Highlanders play more often on the international stage.
But the Green Machine have been a notable absentee from the continental football radar in the last two years.