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Should there be a stoppage during what promises to be a electrifying Lisbon Derby on Friday, the Lions' head coach, Rui Borges, will likely glance down at the wristwatch he considers a good luck charm.

"The dark Casio – purchased for a modest sum while he was still playing for his local team Mirandela – represents his superstitious nature and one he has maintained on his ascent from the lower reaches of amateur coaching to shaping the grandest platform in the sport."

The 44-year-old picked up the pieces after the disruption following Ruben Amorim’s exit to Manchester United and is crafting a excellent standing himself. The green-and-whites are pursuing a third consecutive league titles and seeking to earn a direct spot for the Champions League knockout stages. A significant few days are ahead, starting with a trip to their rivals' Estádio da Luz, followed by a visit to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Starting in Modest Origins to the Primeira Liga

Borges's first foray as a coach began at lower-league Mirandela, where he concluded a modest playing career. As a manager, however, he has achieved far more, claiming a league and cup double with Sporting in his maiden year. Currently, Sporting sit second, within touching distance behind Porto and three ahead of Benfica.

Initial headaches included Viktor Gyökeres’s protracted exit, but Borges’s side are the top goalscorers in the division. New striker Luis Suárez has started brilliantly, bagging nine goals in his first 12 appearances.

The Manager of Habit

Borges sports his original Casio watch every match without fail. Notably, Casio got in touch this season, offering him various upgrades, but he has refused to change his first piece. His superstitions run deep, even including insisting on the exact spot at the usual eatery after a significant win last season.

Around that time good-naturedly ribbed him for his insistence on wearing a particular gilet, which Borges was convinced would help win the title. Sporting succeeded, edging out Benfica to secure their 21st Primeira Liga and their first back-to-back titles since the 1950s.

An Accelerated Ascent

The club have a history for offering promising coaches a chance. After a brief tenure by João Pereira, the club moved quickly to hire Borges, who had guided Vitória de Guimarães to a second-place finish.

A perfect start to last season convinced Sporting to trigger his £3.5m clause in less than six months. Since assuming control last Christmas, he has tasted defeat just on one occasion in the league.

Foundations in Mirandela

Carlos Correira, the former Mirandela president who first coached Borges as a boy, later entrusted him his initial managerial job. The aim was survival, but they ended up fourth. This success propelled Borges up the divisions, where he averted relegation danger.

"From the start that he was a leader, and we could see that this was the career he wanted," notes Correira. "As captain, he was someone who could forge unity. He was very studious, truly loves football, and spends every waking moment working to develop. He did great work here and quickly reached the top."

His next job at Moreirense, following their return to the top flight, was another test. A lengthy unbeaten streak, including a hard-fought draw at Benfica’s stadium, paved the way to a sixth-place finish, their highest-ever in the division.

Family Inspiration

Borges's dad, Manuel, had a career in Portugal’s top division. He views his late grandfather, a shoemaker, as a significant guiding force. Borges devoted his first top-flight title to his grandad and has a permanent tribute in his memory.

"He is incredibly modest and has not forgotten his roots," Correira concludes. "All of Mirandela supports him. He is a local hero, someone we’re extremely proud of. The town is very proud of him."