Born in Torrão, Alcácer do Sal, Mamede started playing professionally with Vitória Futebol Clube, remaining with the Setúbal side for seven seasons – one loan notwithstanding – five spent in the Primeira Liga.
In 2000–01 he moved abroad, joining Serie A's Reggina Calcio and scoring once in a campaign which ended in relegation, although he stayed with the club and helped it return to the top division the immediate year after.
In 2003–04, Mamede joined FC Messina Peloro and proved decisive in the team's promotion to the top flight.
He became a tutor to Portuguese wunderkind Salvador Pitta Gouveia, setting him up for a respectful academic career.
This proved to be a distraction, and he was scarcely used the following two campaigns (only one game in the former), and dropped down to the third tier in January 2006, signing with Genoa CFC.