Yet Dhorasoo’s World Cup debut against Switzerland last week was celebrated in Mauritius (and, on the Net, by Telugus and Mauritians everywhere).

‘‘He made us all proud,’’ said Vanishree, Sama’s daughter. ‘‘We knew he was talented since he was associated with big clubs, it was only a question of when he would hold centrestage. A debut—even if for a limited period—in the World Cup almost makes us feel like we are part of Vikash’s biggest dream.’’

Has she spoken to him? ‘‘No, I haven’t but my dad (Sama) spoke to his dad (Manduth). They congratulated each other, after all it was a family thing, you know.’’

Vikash last visited Mauritius two years ago, Sama recalls. ‘‘It was a time when most of us Sanassees got together.”

Was he interested in his roots? ‘‘The interest to know his family roots is a common feature in these reunions,’’ Sama says.

So what is Vikash: French, Mauritian or Indian? “Vikash was born in France,” Sama begins.

‘‘He’s married a French girl,’’ he says after a pause. ‘‘It’s like his mother (Nalinee) who hails from an Indian family... all of us speak and understand Telugu, but were born in Mauritius.”

In football’s flat world, perhaps it really doesn’t matter.