Suffering due to representing a team with no leader at the outset (6,3)

I believe the answer is:

paying for

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a team with no leader at the outset' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'suffering due to' is the wordplay.
'suffering due' becomes 'paying' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to' becomes 'for'.
'paying'+'for'='PAYING FOR'

'representing' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.