Ruud Krol is aware that Orlando Pirates face a stern test to stay at the summit during the action-packed month of October.

The Dutch mentor will lead his charges out against defending champions SuperSport and arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the next two and a half weeks, with both away games being separated by several potential banana skins.

'Bucs' were lucky to escape with a point against Free State Stars in their last fixture and with a tricky Santos side next in line, Krol is not slacking on preparations ? despite the international break.

"Obviously it's not going to be an easy month for us in general, but we will continue to prepare accordingly for each game and take it one at a time. Preparations for the Santos match are already underway, and even though the game is only due next weekend, we still train twice a day as usual," he told the club's official website.

"We have also arranged a friendly practice match sometime this week to keep the players match fit, correct our mistakes and hopefully discover our scoring touch."

Krol has decided to excuse Moeneeb Josephs, Teko Modise, Benson Mhlongo and Lucas Thwala from Tuesday's training session as the quartet prepare for Bafana Bafana duty in the form of friendlies against Norway and Iceland.

"I think it's only fair to give the four players a rest after completing ninety minutes of many since the season started two months ago," added the former Zamalek coach.

"Furthermore, they will be away on national duty for more than a week, and I thought I should play my part and give them a well deserved rest to ensure that they are all set for their trip to Europe, before re-joining us in preparations for our next league match at home against Engen Santos."