A1 M – Transfer market, TeLiMar hires Claudio Mandalà to join Holland in goal

President Marcello Giliberti, after the confirmation of Baldineti and the hiring of Bajic,
Holland, Boezi, Privitera and Muscat, closes an agreement with the former Palermo water polo player.

The TeLiMar roster for the 2024/2025 season is now almost completely outlined, welcoming Claudio Mandalà as second goalkeeper. More than an arrival, his is a return. Born in Palermo in 1978, in the last season he played for Waterpolo which achieved salvation in A2, but in the past he wore the cap of the Addaura Club.

Claudio Mandalà was born as a basketball player in Cus Palermo, with whom he played all the youth teams and then, at the age of 18, again with Cus, playing as a starter in his first A2 Championship and the following six.

Afterwards, he moved to TeLiMar in Serie A1 for one season, coached by Nando Pesci. In Catania for two A2 championships with the then YMCA Nettuno, he returned to Palermo, coming close to promotion from B to A2 with Cus, losing in the final against Ancona in which former TeLiMar player Luca Marziali played.

Work commitments then took him to the North, preventing him from continuing to play at high levels. Having returned to Palermo for work last year, he played in A2 with Waterpolo Palermo.

Claudio Mandalà, new TeLiMar goalkeeper: “I am honored to be part of a club that in recent years has demonstrated that it can compete with the biggest Italian water polo teams. For me it is a welcome return having already worn the TeLiMar cap in the past, I know the environment and I am sure it will be an extraordinary year.  I thank President Marcello Giliberti for the trust placed in me and I can't wait to start this new adventure under the guidance of the 'Master' Gu Baldineti".

Gu Baldineti, TeLiMar coach: “Claudio Mandalà is an expert goalkeeper, with a long career that has seen him play in all three Palermo teams. Joining Waterpolo last year, he will bring experience and professionalism to a team of many young players and I am sure that he will be ready if necessary. Welcome, Claudio!”

Marcello Giliberti, President of TeLiMar: “Strongly wanted by Captain Lo Cascio, I was very pleased to co-opt Claudio into the team. I have known him for many years and I have always appreciated him for his seriousness and the serenity and clarity with which he approaches every situation. I'm sure he will be a great added value for the entire team, being a highly experienced player, capable of bringing positive dynamics to the dressing room."

Alessia Anselmo
TeLiMar press officer
photo by Claudio Mandalà