The world of football sometimes offers a glimpse into the future. Players often spot the makings of a coach in their teammates long before anyone else. That’s the story told by Pedro Machado, a 29-year-old central defender, about Rui Borges, the new head coach at Sporting. Machado, who now plays for Al-Tadhamon in Kuwait, has had quite a journey himself. He started his career at Quarteirense, moving through clubs like Louletano, B SAD, Casa Pia, and Vitória Setúbal. Interestingly, he also spent time working at Zara and for Uber, showing a life beyond the pitch.
Machado shared his thoughts with ‘Tribuna Expresso,’ reflecting on his time playing alongside Borges at Mirandela during the 2015/16 season. Even then, Borges was approaching the end of his playing days, but his quality was clear for all to see. Machado jokingly called him “an old warhorse” of the game, referring to his experience and skill. Borges was the team captain, and his leadership extended beyond just wearing the armband. He had a natural desire to guide the younger players, offering pointers and advice. Machado remembers having many conversations with Borges, who always tried to help him improve his game.
The news of Borges taking the helm at Sporting didn’t shock Machado. He had already seen Borges’s exceptional quality during his spell at Vitória. What did surprise him, however, was when Borges first stepped into coaching at Mirandela, and then the impressive path he carved out at Académico de Viseu. Machado kept a close eye on Borges’s progress, noticing that his teams consistently had a special spark, a unique identity.
When Rúben Amorim departed from Sporting, Machado and his wife, a dedicated Sporting supporter, even talked about who would be the ideal replacement. Given Borges’s great work at Vitória and Machado’s personal insight into his character as a former teammate, they both agreed Borges was the perfect fit. Machado felt a real sense of happiness seeing his old captain chosen for such a significant role, especially with Ricardo Chaves, already part of the coaching staff, by his side.