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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates head coach Muhsin Ertugral has revealed that Brighton Mhlongo, Oupa Manyisa and Luvuyo Memela were all laid low by food poisoning prior to Saturday's Soweto derby.
The three players in question went out on Tuesday to enjoy a meal together, but were subsequently admitted to hospital.
And, after being assessed by the club's medical staff, it was decided that Mhlongo would be able to start against Amakhosi, although Manyisa and Memela did not recover in time to make the matchday squad.
Gift Motupa and Riyaad Norodien came in for the aforementioned duo as Pirates were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
"Riyaad for me, is one of the best talents. He needs a bit more time," Ertugral said after the match, as quoted by Sowetan Live.
"Also, this is a big club. There are other elements and dynamics in the team's organisational form. But he had a fantastic game today.
"He replaced Memela because they [the three players] ate something this week. They could not train - on Wednesday they were in hospital and it was food poisoning.
"Memela had been cleared by the doctor to play. But in the end it came back. And it was very dangerous - I was very happy it happened before the game.
"The three had food poisoning. They went out eating something together. And I'm happy that our goalkeeper could play."
