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If there is a stoppage during what promises to be a electrifying Lisbon Derby on Friday, Sporting's gaffer, Rui Borges, is expected to check at the timepiece he deems a fortunate amulet.

"This dark Casio – acquired for a modest sum while he remained playing for his hometown club Mirandela – is a symbol of his belief in superstition and one he has kept on his journey from the obscurity of amateur coaching to making a mark on the grandest platform in the sport."

The 44-year picked up the pieces after the turbulence caused by Ruben Amorim’s move to Manchester United and is crafting a strong name himself. Sporting are aiming for a third straight league titles and hoping to earn a direct spot for the Champions League last 16. A pivotal few days are ahead, featuring a trip to Benfica's Estádio da Luz, a precursor to a visit to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

From Humble Origins to the Top Flight

Borges's first foray as a coach began at the fourth division Mirandela, where he concluded a modest playing career. In the dugout, however, he has made a bigger splash, securing a league and cup double with Sporting in his debut campaign. Currently, Sporting are placed second, a trio of points behind Porto and three ahead of Benfica.

Early problems included Viktor Gyökeres’s lengthy transfer saga, but Borges’s side stand as the highest scorers in the league. New signing Luis Suárez has made an instant impact, scoring nine goals in 12 matches.

A Man of Ritual

Borges sports his trusty Casio watch every match religiously. Notably, Casio got in touch this season, offering him various upgrades, but he has remained loyal to his initial piece. His rituals are profound, extending to stipulating the same table at the usual eatery after a significant win last season.

His players teased him for his attachment to a certain gilet, which Borges was convinced would help win the title. He was right, beating Benfica to claim their 21st Primeira Liga and their first back-to-back titles since the 1950s.

An Accelerated Rise

The club have a history for giving emerging coaches a opportunity. After a short-lived tenure by João Pereira, the club wasted no time to appoint Borges, who had guided Vitória de Guimarães to a second-place finish.

A perfect start to last season persuaded Sporting to pay his release clause in less than six months. Since succeeding Pereira last Christmas, he has suffered a loss just a single time in the league.

Beginnings in Mirandela

Carlos Correira, the former Mirandela president who worked with Borges as a boy, later entrusted him his initial managerial job. The goal was avoiding relegation, but they finished fourth. This success catapulted Borges up the divisions, where he prevented relegation danger.

"We could see that he was a natural leader, and we could see that this was the route he wanted," says Correira. "On the pitch, he was someone who could forge unity. He was a student of the game, obsessed with football, and spends every waking moment working to become better. He excelled here and rapidly ascended to the top."

His next job at Moreirense, following their promotion to the top flight, was another examination. A strong run of form, which featured a hard-fought draw at Benfica’s stadium, resulted in a top-six finish, their highest-ever in the division.

Personal Inspiration

Borges's dad, Manuel, played in Portugal’s top division. He considers his late grandfather, a shoemaker, as a significant inspiration. Borges dedicated his first top-flight title to his grandad and has a tattoo in his honor.

"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 immensely proud of. We are very proud of him."