It was in themid 1990s that Ang and Kouta became know as Carlton's "Young Guns". The best offriends, both were playing outstanding football as two of the young stars ofthe Carltonteam. While Kouta continues his career on the field as one of the veterans ofthe AFL and one of the true superstars of the game in recent years, Ang wasforced into early retirement due to a serious back injury.
For many years Carlton fans loved to see Ang gather the ball on the Carlton backline and senda long kick downfield to Kouta. And now, after a few years enjoying the goodlife in the Greek Islands, Ang has returned to Australia andonce again the Ang and Kouta partnership is back in business.
Today the formeryoung guns are in business together at the Souvlaki Hut in Templestowe.
"Koutaconvinced me to come back from the life of luxury in Greece," Ang said from theSouvlaki Hut, on the corner of ThompsonsRoad and FooteStreet in Templestowe. "I couldn't turn himdown so I have left the good life to return to Australia to help out my goodmate."
Ang and Koutaare the owner/managers of the new store and both are keen to succeed in thebusiness world. Ang is even doing some 'work experience' at the Souvlaki Hut inWilliamstown to familiarise himself with the business and is completing amanagement course before getting into his own business. Kouta also completed anintensive training course in readiness for the opening of the new venture.
While Ang insistshe will be the 'engine room' of the store, Kouta will also spend time working at the business, although Ang is quickto point out that he will be doing far more work than Kouta.
"I know hehas football commitments but really he pops his head in and provides theassistance when he can. But I am now trying to ensure he retires at the end ofthis year so he can spend more time back here," Ang joked.
Both will beworking the floor at their Souvlaki Hut, preparing and serving food, slappingbacks and shaking hands. And don't be surprised to see other Carlton players and sporting personalities inthe store, just as we found Nick Stevens enjoying a break for lunch when wevisited earlier this week.
Kouta has beenthrilled with the success so far and says he is really enjoying hisinvolvement.
"It isgreat to be back in partnership with Ang and the Souvlaki Hut provides us witha real business opportunity that is also fun and gives us an opportunity to meeta lot of new people."
Call in to seeAng and Kouta and enjoy a great meal at:
Souvlaki Hut
420 Thompsons Road (Corner Foote Street)
Templestowe
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Sam Leech is on work experience at Carlton FC. Click here to read his account of Ang and Kouta's new venture.
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