Handwalla Bwana joins Real Monarchs from LV Lights on loan

Somali-American winger Handwalla Bwana has joined Real Monarchs from LV Lights on loan, completing a move that keeps him in the United States for the remainder of 2026.

The 27-year-old left winger switched clubs on 1 September and will remain with the MLS Next Pro side until 31 December. Bwana moves to Real Monarchs after spending the opening part of the 2026 campaign with LV Lights in the USL Championship.

Bwana has made two appearances in the USL Championship this season, while also featuring three times in the USL Cup. He has not scored or registered an assist across those competitions.

His arrival gives Real Monarchs another option on the left side of the attack. Bwana is naturally right-footed and was born in Mombasa, with Somalia and the United States listed as his nationalities.

Before joining Real Monarchs, Bwana moved to LV Lights from Tormenta FC on a free transfer in February 2026. His spell with Tormenta followed a free transfer from PDX in January 2025, continuing a career that has taken him through several clubs in the American soccer system.

Bwana began his senior career with Seattle-linked sides and spent time with Sounders FC 2, Seattle Academy and Washington before joining Seattle. He later had loan spells with Tacoma Defiance and Memphis 901, as well as a permanent move to Nashville in October 2020.

He also has an MLS Cup title from his time with Seattle in the 2018-19 season. His career has included experience in both the USL Championship and MLS Next Pro, the division in which he will now continue the campaign with Real Monarchs.

The loan places Bwana under contract at Real Monarchs through 31 December 2026, when he is scheduled to return to LV Lights.