Born in Rognac, France, Mendil began his career in the SC Bastia academy, which he joined at the age of 15.

On 22 February 1999, he made his first team debut for Bastia, coming as a second-half substitute against Toulouse FC in the 25th week of Ligue 1 action.

He spent one more season with the club's reserve team, scoring 24 goals, before leaving to Italy to join US Avellino in Serie C1.

In his second season in Italy, Mendil joined Serie B side Cosenza, playing alongside former A.C. Milan striker Gianluigi Lentini and scoring 10 goals.

Mendil asked Madjer for some time to consider the call-up and eventually declined to allow him to deal with his transfer situation.