DPMM general manager Ali Haji Momin told the Straits Times on Wednesday that he has received confirmation from the Football Association of Singapore that they will be competing in the upcoming season, which is expected to kick off in mid-February.

He said: "We look forward to making our return and our target is of course to be champions again. The quality in the SPL has gone up in the last few years and we hope to add to that quality this season."

On Wednesday, DPMM announced their four foreign players for the 2023 SPL season. Heading the list is 2019 SPL top scorer and former Belarus international Andrei Varankou, who plundered 21 goals in 22 games for the champions.

Former Spanish youth international defender Angel Martinez,Uzbek goalkeeper Akmal Tursunbaev and Croatian midfielder Josip Balic are their other imports.

DPMM will continue to host home matches at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, said Ali, which will give the other SPL teams the full away experience for the first time in three years.

The team;s return will boost the quality of the league as they will come up against defending champions Albirex Niigata,2021 winners Lion City Sailors, Hougang United and Tampines Rovers in the battle for the title.

Hougang coach Firdaus Kassim said:"Although the composition of the DPMM squad is unknown, over their past season in the SPL, they have traditionally competed for top spots.

I am expecting the same in the upcoming season from them. Especially after they won the league in their last participation, so I am very sure they are keen to win the league title."

Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee also welcomed DPMM's return. He told ST previously:"The travel over there is always a nice change for local teams, and most importantly DPMM are always a good side, and have good quality."

In March 2020,DPMM started their SPL defence with a 2-0 win over Tampines - a result was eventually voided as the club could not return to complete the season due to COVID.