Banyana’s first married couple take Morocco, where homosexuality is illegal
· The South African
Banyana Banyana’s first married couple – Robyn Moodaly and her wife, Gabriela Salgado- are making headlines after they were both drafted into the national team, currently participating at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
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The tournament kicked off last week and will run until 16 August.
The couple, who wed earlier this year, both play for the Janine van Wyk Football Club (JVW FC), which was established by the former team captain.
MEET BANYANA BANYANA FIRST MARRIED COUPLE
According to ESPN Africa, Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado have made history as WAFCON’s first married couple to play together at the tournament.
The Banyana Banyana players – also the team’s first couple – are part of the squad that played Tanzania in their first group-stage match this week.
The South African national team were beaten 2-1.
Robyn and Gabriela went public with their relationship in 2022 and got engaged two years later.
The couple married last year. During their wedding ceremony, Robyn wore a white bridal dress, while Gabriela broke with tradition by wearing a black dress. The couple got tattoos on their wedding fingers to signify their union.
“The best day of our lives”, Robyn shared of their big day.
Robyn and Gabriela have taken each other’s surnames.
MOROCCO’S ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY LAWS
Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado’s participation at WAFCON is particularly significant as same-sex marriages and acts of homosexuality are illegal in the host country, Morocco.
Although the Banyan Banyana couple are legally married in South Africa, their union is not recognised in Morocco.
Same-sex sexual acts, including PDA, are criminalised under Article 489 of Morocco’s Penal Code.
According to a travel advisory, the law on unmarried people sharing a hotel room generally does not apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas like Marrakech and Casablanca.
Tourists, particularly same-sex ones, are advised to avoid showing affection in public, particularly in tourist areas and near religious sites.
They are also advised to be aware of local laws and customs, and to follow the security guidance provided by organisers.