SuperSport United will be without the services of defender Michael Boxall and coach Stuart Baxter for their CAF Confederation Cup tie away to TP Mazembe.

Matsatsantsa host the Congolese giants at the Stade TP Mazembe on Sunday, June 4th, but the South African side have been dealt a blow in their preparations against Mazembe, after defender Boxall was called up to represent the New Zealand national team in the Fifa Confederations Cup.

Former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Baxter will also miss his side’s trip due his national team commitments with Bafana Bafana, which sees him gear up for the Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifier against Nigeria.

“I will do the preparations and Kaitano will take it [the game against Mazembe]. This has been an unbelievably challenging time for me. To keep focused on one game and then to prepare and select a squad for Nigeria,” said Baxter.

Besides Bafana’s crunch AFCON qualifier, Baxter also has to plan for SuperSport’s Nedbank Cup final encounter against Orlando Pirates, which is scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on June 24.

“I have never had this challenge in my career. Mentally, it has been very difficult. The Nigeria game will also be very difficult, knowing I have to come back and take the [Nedbank] Cup final.

“I will continue to be professional. But it takes a lot of professionalism and strength to make sure you play yourself to every challenge equally,” he added.

United assistant coach Kaitano Tembo will be at the helm of the side when they face Mazembe on Sunday.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix

— This story originally appeared on SoccerClub.co.za